Morning Message: How Shall We Escape?

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "How Shall We Escape?"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Today's title, "How Shall We Escape?" is an odd question, until we read the rest of what is being asked. The entire question is this: "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great (a) salvation?" It's rhetorical, because the answer is obvious.

The angels were aware of it, though it did not apply to them. The Prophets spoke of it. Jesus taught about it, and it was affirmed by those that heard His teachings, as they shared it with others. The writer is saying, we cannot escape eternal condemnation, unless of course we ignore the witnesses of God: the Prophets, Jesus and the Angelic Heavenly Host. Now, THAT'S a cloud of witnesses!

If we ignore their witness, disregard their testimonies and neglect the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and continue to live only responding to the flesh, then we will receive that condemnation. If that's what we want, we can do just nothing, and it will be ours.

But if we want to escape eternal damnation, the Lord God Jesus has provided a way to escape from it! That's the Good News! That's also an encouraging verse from Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians. Chapter 10, Verse 13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer ye to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

A temptation is not our only choice; we should look for the escape from it that God had has provided and make a decision that will last for eternity. In the first Chapter of the Book of Job (1:6-8), Satan is looking for a victim, and God said, "Hast thou considered my servant Job ...?" God suggests Job, because He knew his faith; and God then also limited the scope of what Satan could do to Job, and just like Job, God already knows our strengths and weaknesses. He will limit Satan's temptations, and provide a way for us to escape too, through Jesus Christ our Lord!

"And when the Gentile heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." - Acts 13:48

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 2:1-18 - "How Shall We Escape?"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The first chapter of Hebrews has established the vast superiority of Jesus, the Son. He is the final message of God to the world. The Son was appointed heir of all things and through him the world was created. The Son is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his very being. He upholds the universe by his powerful word. He made purification for sins and sat down at God’s right hand becoming more superior than angels because of the name he has inherited. The writer of Hebrews declares that this book is a “word of exhortation” (13:22). This book is written to encourage the people to not give up. After declaring the greatness and superiority of Jesus in these ways, the author interrupts his comparison of Christ with angels with his first of six warnings in this epistle: a warning against drifting by neglecting our great salvation (1-4). He then illustrates Jesus' superiority to angels by being made lower than the angels, whereby He became the perfect captain of our salvation and a merciful and faithful High Priest (5-18).

Because of the superiority of Jesus to deliver a superior message, we need to pay much closer attention to what we have heard. In the past God spoke by the prophets at many times and in many ways (1:1). But now God has spoken to us by his Son. Therefore, we must pay closer attention to the message that we have heard from the Son. It is always the obligation of God’s people to hear. We will see that point made repeatedly when we study through the book of Deuteronomy. Listen to the Lord. Give attention to his word.

The writer explains that the world to come will not be subject to angels but to mankind. Jesus, made a little lower than angels, took on human form to taste death for everyone. Crowned with glory and honor because of His suffering, Jesus surpasses the angels in importance and status.

Jesus, the author of salvation, became perfect through sufferings, presenting all believers as His brethren. Jesus is shown to have shared in humanity and death to destroy the power of the devil. As the merciful and faithful High Priest, Jesus makes atonement for the people's sins, empathizing with their weaknesses because of His own experience of temptation.

Hebrews 2 presents the superiority of Jesus Christ over angels, drawing a contrast between His divinity and His humanity. It expands on the theme of His shared humanity and the purpose behind His suffering and death, illustrating how Jesus offers salvation and perfect mediation between God and humanity. It also emphasizes the danger of neglecting God’s message, and the grace offered through Christ.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Earnest Heed . . . Slip (2:1) - Pay close attention to the teachings of Jesus. They are not to be forgotten or disregarded.  The writer is warning to give serious, careful, and diligent attention to something, especially to the words of God, with the understanding that neglecting them can have serious consequences. The warning is to secure oneself to the truth of the gospel being careful not to pass by the only harbor of salvation.  The closest attention must be paid to these very serious matters of the Christian faith.  The readers in their tendency to apathy are in danger of making shipwreck of their lives.  

For if (2:2) - Carries the idea: "In full view of the fact that. . ."

Angels (2:2) - Literally, God's Messengers. The angels were instrumental in bringing God's Law to His people at Mount Sinai.

Transgression and Disobedience (2:2) - Transgression is the stepping over the line, in an overt sin of commission.  Disobedience carries the idea of shutting one's ears to God's commands, thereby committing a sin of omission.  Both are willful, serious, and require just judgment. 

How Shall We Escape? - (2:3) - If disobedience to the older covenant of law brough swift judgment, how much more severe will be the judgment of disobedience to the New Covenant gospel of salvation, which was mediated by the Son who is superior to the angels?  See Matthew 10:14, 15; 11:20-24.  The message and messenger of the New Covenant are great than the messengers and message of the older covenant.  The greater the privilege, the greater the punishment for disobedience or neglect.

Signs...Wonders...Miracles...Gifts (2:4) - The supernatural powers demonstrated by Jesus and His apostles were the Father's divine confirmation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, the Son of the Living God!  

The Holy Spirit (2:4) - Third Person of or Triune God.  This reference refers to His ministry of confirming the message of salvation by means of miraculous gifts. 

World (2:5) - The inhabited earth.  While angels have considerable authority in this present world, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will personally reign over the millennial world (Revelation 20:4) and the eternal world to come (Revelation 11:15).

In A Certain Place (2:6) - Quoted from Psalm 8:4-5. The confirmation of the prophetic word of God and its divine authorship.  

Man...Son of Man (2:6) - Both refer to mankind, not to Christ.  The passage asks why God would ever bother with man.  As the following verses demonstrate (9, 10), the Incarnation of Christ is the greatest proof of God's love and regard for mankind.  Christ was not sent in the form of an angel, but the form of a man. 

Angels (2:7) - Here we learn that angels were given supernatural power by the Creator.  They have continual access to the throne of God (cf. Job 1:6; 2:1; Revelation 5:11) and are not subject to death.

Subjection (2:8) - In spite of the superiority of angels to mankind, God had originally placed the administration of the earth into the hands of mankind (Genesis 1:26-28).  Due to the Fall (Genesis 3), mankind has been incapable of fulfilling that divinely or ordained position. 

Glory and Honor (2:9) - Because Jesus became obedient unto death, God highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:8, 9). By His redemptive work, Christ has fulfilled all that is required as the supreme representation of mankind.  By His Incarnation, substitutionary sacrifice, and victory over sin and death (Romans 6:23; 1 John 4:10, He has fulfilled man's original purpose. As the Second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:47), He was for a short time lower than the angels, Now, He has glory and honor, and all things are subject to Him.

For Every Man (2:9) - Jesus did not die merely for "the sin of the world" (John 1:29). but for every man individually.  Because He did this, those who come to Him in faith and repentance, asking for saving grace and forgiveness of sins, will be saved.  Those who do not will receive just judgment. 

Captain (2:10) - Meaning - Leader, Author, Prince.  Jesus is the Prince of Life, the Captain of our Salvation, and the Author of our Faith. 

Perfect (2:10) - How could the holy God be "Made perfect?"  Jesus was already perfect in His divine nature. The answer is that, if He would also be perfect man, He must learn obedience to the will of the Father and true obedience can only be tested if it involves suffering.  See Hebrews 5:8, 9

Sanctifies (2:11) - Sanctification sets a person apart for service through purification from sin and conformity to the holiness of God (cf.10:10).

My Brethren (2:12) - The use of the term demonstrates His full identification with mankind in order to provide complete redemption (Philippians 2:7-9).

Partakers . . . Took Part of the Same (2:14) - The word "partakers" means fellowship, communion, or partnership.  The Son of God was not by nature "flesh and blood," but took upon Himself that nature for the sake of providing redemption for mankind. 

Death...Power of Death (2:14) - The ultimate purpose of the Incarnation:  Jesus came to earth to die.  By dying, He was able to conquer death in His Resurrection (John 14:19).  By conquering death, He rendered Satan powerless against all who are saved.  Satan's using the power of death is subject to God's will (cf. Job 2:6).

Fear of Death (15) - 1 Corinthians 15:54 tells us that for the believer, "death is swallowed up in victory."  The believer no longer needs to fear death, for to him "to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21, 23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Seed of Abraham (2:16) - Christ is that promised seed.  Since the readers are Hebrews, they would certainly identify themselves with this description.  The Messiah had been born in the line of Abraham in fulfillment of the OT prophecies (Matthew 1:21).  Yet another purpose was the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant in regard to the promised seed.  Of all peoples, the Hebrews should be the first to recognize the significance and importance of the Incarnation. 

Reconciliation (2:17) - Christ's work of reconciliation is related to His high priestly ministry.  By partaking of a human nature, Christ demonstrated His mercy to mankind and His faithfulness to God by satisfying God's requirement for sin and thus obtaining for His people full forgiveness. 

Tempted (2:18) - The genuineness of Christ's humanity is demonstrated by the fact that He was subject to temptation.  By experiencing temptation, Jesus became fully capable of understanding and sympathizing with mankind.  Though we often yield to temptation before we feel its full force, Jesus resisted it all!

Morning Message: Sit At My Right Hand

Bobservations' Column
Titled: "Sit At My Right Hand"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Sixty-six Books; Forty different scribes; one Author: this is what our Bible is, a collection of Books attributed to different writers, but authored by a single entity. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "all scripture is given by the inspiration of God" to these 40 writers. Literally, it is God-breathed unto them. The apostle Peter affirms the idea in 2 Peter 1:17-21, in an interesting way; he says, if need be, disregard his own personal testimony, and read the prophets of old, as they are “a more sure word of prophecy,” proving themselves by having been fulfilled already.

We begin today to undertake a study through the Epistle to the Hebrews. We know the approximate date of this letter, sometime prior to the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 A.D. But unlike all the other Epistles, no one puts their name to it. A debate has swirled about the writer for 2,000 years. The style of the writing is somewhat unique, but not completely unique. Some will argue that the Apostle Luke wrote it, which would make it the third Book that he wrote that has become part of the Cannon. Others will make an argument for Apollos, because of its eloquence. If this is the case, then there are forty-one scribes of scripture. The third option is the Apostle Paul, making this his fourteenth Book included in the Cannon of the Bible. His knowledge of religion(s) is there. His eloquence in the written word is throughout. His intimacy with Christ Jesus flows through every chapter. Though any of these could have written this Epistle, there is a verse in 2 Peter 3:15 that gives the edge to Paul as the writer:

“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;”

This lends itself to the focal character of all sixty-six books, Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, Who is also known as the “only begotten of the Father,” which furthermore brings us back to authorship, and Paul’s intimate knowledge of monotheism. The Bible is an autobiography of God. If the Book of Revelation is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, then the entire Bible is God’s Revelation of Himself, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, our Triune God, to be worshiped with all our heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6;4,5).

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” - Psalm 45:6; Hebrews 1:8

Bobservations Column - Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 1:1-14 - "Sit At My Right Hand"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The epistle to the Hebrews is a unique book in the New Testament. It begins as an essay (Hebrews 1:1-2), progresses as a sermon (Hebrews 2:1-4), and ends as a letter (Hebrews 13:23-25). Its contents are deep and challenging. Many Christians find it difficult; some equate its difficulty with the book of Revelation.

• But for Christians willing to take the time to read and reflect upon it, they will be: Reminded of how blessed they are to have trusted in Christ
• Impressed with the superiority of Christ and His New Covenant over Moses and the Old Covenant
• Warned of the danger of apostasy and the need for steadfastness in their faith

Hebrews 1 is an awe-inspiring reminder of the supremacy of Jesus Christ as God's Son. It underscores the uncontestable superiority of Jesus, not just over earthly creations, but celestial beings like angels as well. The chapter prompts us to reflect on the grandeur of Jesus' role, His divine nature, and His eternal rule. We are reminded to trust His authority, as He is the ultimate revelation of God's will and love for humanity.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Sundry Times (1:1) - Means various times, or many different periods or occasions in the past when God communicated with His people. Over the course of possibly 1,800 years (from Job c. 2200 B.C. to Nehemiah c. 400 B.C.) the Old Testament was written in thirty-nine different books reflecting different historical times, locations, cultures and situations. 

Divers Manners (1:1) - Means various ways that God communicated with His people in the past especially through the prophets.  These included visions, symbols, and parables, written in both poetry and prose.  Though the literary form and style varied, it was always God's revelation of what He wanted His people to know.  The progressive revelation of the Old Testament described God's program of redemption (1 Peter 1:10-12) and His will for His people (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

Last Days (1:2) - The Jews understood the "last days" to mean the time when Messiah (Christ) would come (cf. Numbers 24:14; Jeremiah 33:14-16; Micah 5:1, 2; Zechariah 9:9-16).  The fulfillment of the messianic prophecies commenced with the advent of the Messiah.  Since He came, it has been the "last days" (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11; James 5:3; 1 Peter 1:20; 4:7; 1 John 2:18).  In the past, God gave revelation through His prophets, but in these times, beginning with the Messiah's advent, God spoke the message of redemption through the Son.

Heir (1:2) - Everything that exists will ultimately come under the control of the Son of God, the Messiah (cf. Psalms 2:8, 9; 89:27; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16).  This inheritance is the full extension of the authority which the Father has given to the Son (cf. Daniel 7:13, 14; Matthew 28:18), as the "firstborn."

Worlds (1:2) - The word can also be translated "ages."  It refers to time, space, energy, and matter - the entire universe and everything that makes it function (cf. John 1:3). 

Brightness (1:3) - The term is used only here in the NT.  It expresses the concept of sending forth light or shining (cf. John 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6).  The meaning of "reflection' is not appropriate here.  The Son is not just reflecting God's glory; He is God and radiates His own essential glory.

Express Image of His Person (1:3) - The term translated "express image" is used only here in the New Testament.  In extrabiblical literature, it was employed for an engraving on wood, an etching in metal, a brand on animal hide, an impression in clay, and stamped image on coins.  Person is a word conveying nature, being, or essence.  The Son is the perfect imprint, the exact representation of the nature and essence of God in time and space (cf. John 14;9; Colossians 1:15; 29).

Upholding (1:3) - The universe and everything in it is constantly sustained by the Son's powerfully effective word (Colossians 1:17).  The term also conveys the concept of movement or progress.  The Son of God directs all things toward the consummation of all things according to God's sovereign purpose.  He who spoke all things into existence also sustains His creation and consummates His purpose by His Word.

Purged Our Sins (1:3) - By the substitutionary sacrifice of Himself on the Cross (cf. Titus 2:14; Revelation 1:5).

Sat Down at the Right Hand (1:3) - The right hand is the place of power, authority, and honor (cf. v. 13; Romans 8:34; 1 Peter 3:22).  It is also the position of subordination, implying that the Son is under the authority of the Father (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:27, 28).  The seat that Christ has taken is the throne of God (8:1; 1012; 12:2) where He rules as sovereign Lord.  This depicts a victorious Savior, not a defeated martyr.  While the primary thrust of this phrase is the enthronement of Christ, His sitting might also imply the completion of His atoning work.

Being Made (1:4) - The Greek verb used her refers to a change of state, not a change of existence.  The Son in His divine essence has eternally existed, but for a while He was made lower than the angels (2:9) and afterward was exalted to an infinitely higher position by virtue of what He had accomplished in His redemptive work.

Angels (1:4) - Spirit beings created by God to minister to Him and do His bidding.  The Jews held angels in very high regard as the highest beings next to God.  The sect of Judaism which had established a community at Qumran taught that the archangel Michael's authority rivaled or surpassed that of the Messiah.  The writer of Hebrews clearly disclaims any such concept.  The Son of God is superior to the angels.

More Excellent Name (1:4) - That name is Lord.  No angel is Sovereign Lord.

Son (1:5) - A title of Christ expressing the voluntary submission of the second person of the Godhead to the first person for the purpose of fulfilling God's plan of redemption established in eternity past.  

Again (1:6) - This adverb can be taken with "brings" as a reference to the Second Coming of christ or with "says' to indicate yet another quotation from the OT ("and again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says" ; cf. v. 5; 2:13). 

Firstbegotten (1:6) - Christ was not the first to be born on the earth, but He holds the highest osition o sovereignty.  As "firstborn," He is also set apart to the service of God and, being preeminent, is entitled to the inheritance (cf. v. 2; Genesis 43:33; Exodus 13:2; 22:29; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalm 89:27).

Let All the Angels (1:6) -Quoted from Deuteronomy 32:43.  Since the angels are commanded to worship the Messiah, the Messiah is superior to them.  Five of the seven OT passages quoted in the first chapter of Hebrews are in contexts related to the Davidic covenant, which emphasizes the concepts of sonship, kingship, and kingdom.  Although Deuteronomy 32:43 is not in a Davidic covenant context, it has an affinity to the teaching of Psalm 89:6, which declares that the heavenly beings themselves must recognize the lordship of God.  

Of the Angels (1:7) - The writer continues biblical proofs that the angels are subservient to the Son of God by citing Psalm 104:4.  

He Saith (1:8, 9) - Quoting from Psalm 45:6 ,7, the writer argues for the deity and the lordship of the son over creation (cf. v. 3).  The text is all the more significant since the declaration of the Son's deity is presented as the words of the Father Himself (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5, 6; John 5:18; Titus 2:13; 1 John 5:20).  It is clear that the writer of Hebrews had the three messianic offices in mind:  Prophet (vs 1), Priest (v. 3), and King vv. 3, 8). Induction into those three offices required anointing (v. 9).  The title Messiah (Christ) means "anointed one" (cf. Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-21).

And Thou (1:10-12) - Quoted from Psalm 102:25-27, The Son who created the universe (John 1:1-3) will one day destroy the heavens and the earth that He created, but He remains unchanged.  Immutability is yet another characteristic of the divine essence.   Once again, the OT testifies of the Son's deity. 

But Thou (1:13-14) - Quoted from Psalm 110:1. The Lordship of the Son.  Christ will reign and the angels will serve the recipients of salvation. 

Enemies Your Footstool (1:13) - Quoted from Psalm 110:1 - the sovereignty of Christ over all!

Morning Message: Well Doing

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Well Doing"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Word tenses and definitions in the Bible are interesting to study, even as languages “evolve” in the process of time. The meanings become apparent even from passages written long ago. In spite of language differences, faithful translators have brought us God’s Word in its most accurate form, without taking us to the original tongues.

Today’s title given to this message points to this despite language changes.
“Well Doing” points to us doing well in the tasks that the Lord gives us, which are actual commands. We all desire to hear God’s words on Judgment Day, “Well done thou good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of the Lord.” (Matthew 25:12 & 23). In our KJV 1611 translation, translators have taken us back to Genesis 4:7 and the story of Cain and Abel, as God speaks to Cain: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?...”

This was from that first generation after Adam and Eve fell from God’s grace. In the Masoretic Text of the Jewish scriptures, it reads similarly.

The editors of Miriam Webster’s Dictionary add new words to the accepted English language on a yearly basis. Yet the KJV Bibles we use today take us accurately all the way back 3,500 years ago to the time of Moses. The phrase “to do well” echoes from the past to our reading today. And as Paul uses it in today’s passage, he is referring to both our good works, and to our obedience to God’s Word. The understanding comes from letting the words sink into the heart, and not just into our ears. It is in our hearts that God has promised to “put His Law on our inward parts, and write it upon our hearts.” (fleshly tablets, instead of cold hard stone like the ones Moses received from God on Mt. Sinai).

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned.” - 1 Corinthians 2:14

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” - John 6:63

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message

Galatians 6:1-18 - "Well Doing"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

We are in Galatians chapter 6 and finishing up this wonderful book. The focus of the chapter is on practical Christian living. Paul encourages believers to bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. We are called to support and uplift our brothers and sisters in their times of need, showing compassion and mercy just as Christ has shown us. As we do good to all people, especially those in the family of believers (Galatians 6:10), we reflect God's love and bring glory to His name.

Paul teaches the principle of sowing and reaping, reminding us that we will reap what we sow. If we sow seeds of righteousness by walking in obedience to God's Word and serving others with love and humility, we will reap a harvest of blessings both now and in eternity. However, if we sow seeds of selfishness and sinfulness by following our own desires at the expense of others, we will reap destruction and separation from God.

The chapter also contrasts living according to the flesh with living according to the Spirit, ultimately leading to either destruction or eternal life.

As we embrace our identity as new creations in Christ, we bear the marks of Jesus through sacrifice, obedience, and perseverance, we become living testimonies of His love and grace.

May we, like the Galatians, fully surrender to Christ and allow Him to live through us, as we embrace the sufficiency of His grace for both our salvation and sanctification. Let us walk by the Spirit, sow to the spirit pleasing Him, and reap the eternal rewards that await those who faithfully serve our Lord.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Overtaken (6:1) - or "Caught," can imply the person was actually seen committing the sin or that he was caught or snared by the sin itself.

Ye . . . Spiritual (6:1) - Believers who are walking in the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and evidencing the fruit of the Spirit.

Restore (6:1) - or "to mend, or repair" like setting a broken bone or repairing a dislocated limb.  Used metaphorically - settling a dispute or argument.  The basic process of restoration is outline in Matthew 18:15-20.

Considering Thyself (6:1) - "Looking to, observing."   The Greek form strongly emphasizes a continual, diligent attentiveness.

Bear One Another's Burdens (6:2) - Burdens are extra heavy loads, which here represent difficulties or problems people have trouble dealing with.  Bear connotes carrying something with endurance.

The Law of Christ (6:2) - This is the law of love which fulfills the entire law.

Examine (6:4) - "to approve something after testing it." We must first be sure our lives are right with God before giving spiritual help to others (Matthew 7:3-5) .

Have Rejoicing in Himself (6:4) - Our boasting should be only in the Lord for what He has done in us (2 Corinthians 10:12-18).  We cannot take the credit for the work of the 

Spirit.

Bear His Own Burden (6:5) - Life's routine obligations and each believer's ministry calling (cf. Matthew 11:30; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10.) God requires faithfulness in meeting those responsibilities.

All Good Things (6:6) - Spiritually and morally excellent things learned from the Word, in which they fellowship together.  This same term describes the gospel (Romans 10:15; cf. Hebrews 9:11).

Whatever a Man Sows . . . He Reaps (6:7) - This is an agricultural principle, applied metaphorically to the moral and spiritual realm, and is universally true.  This law is a form of God's wrath.

Sows to His Flesh (6:8) - Pandering to the flesh's evil desires.

Corruption (6:8) - Degeneration, as in decaying food. Sin always corrupts and, when left unchecked, always makes a person progressively worse in character (cf. Romans 6:23).

Sows to the Spirit (6:8) - To walk by the Holy Spirit.

Everlasting Life (6:8) - the highest quality of living that a person can experience, as well as a life that endures forever. 

Opportunity (6:10) - This Greek word refers to a distinct, fixed time period, rather than occasional moments.  Paul's point is that the believer's entire life provides the unique privilege by which he can serve others in Christ's name.

I Have Written (6:11) - Paul wrote the entire letter by his own hand to make sure the Galatians knew he, not some forger, was writing it, and to personalize the document, given the importance and severity of its contents.

Good Showing (6:12) - Judaizers motivated by religious pride wanting to impress others with their external piety. 

May Not Suffer Persecution (6:12) - The Judaizers were more concerned about personal safety than correct doctrine, adhering more to the Mosaic Law than to the gospel of Jesus.  The hoped to avoid social and financial ostracism from other Jews and maintain their protected status as Jews within the Roman Empire.

Circumcised (6:13) - the Judaizers

Boast in Your Flesh (6:13) - Zealously worked to win Gentile converts to the law to brag about their effective proselytizing (cf. Matthew 23:15). 

Boast Except in the Cross (6:14) - The Greek word for boast is a basic expression of praise without the aspect of pride.  Paul glories and rejoices in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

The World (6:14) - The evil, satanic system opposed to God. 

Crucified to me, and I to the World (6:14) - The world is spiritually dead to believers, and they are dead to the world.

New Creation (6:15) - The new birth.

Peace and Mercy (6:16) - The result of salvation.  Peace is the believer's new relationship to God (romans 5:1; 8:6; Colossians 3:15), and mercy is the forgiveness of all his sins and the setting aside of God's judgment (Psalm 25:6; Daniel 9:18; Matthew 5:7; Luke 1:50; Romans 12:1; Ephesians 2:4; Titus 3:5).

Israel of God (6:16) - All Jewish believers in Christ, those who are both physical and spiritual descendants of Abraham.

Marks (6:17) - Physical results of persecution.

Morning Message: A Little Leaven

Bobservations Column

Titled - "A Little Leaven"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

In the last several years, we have watched the movement to defund the Police. Bail reform laws have followed. Our inner Cities are now the strongholds of violence and death, and those that oppress others who simply want to live in peace.

The Apostle Paul has been teaching the churches about a balance between the Law and Liberty. No population can live in liberty without there some semblance of enforceable laws, for without laws and those that enforce them, society is reduced to a free-for-all. And as we have seen in the media, with the hands of the police tied, the public is now often afraid to go out at night when it’s dark.

God promised to write His law on the fleshly tablets of the believers’ hearts. When that happens to an individual, all the law is fulfilled by “Love thy neighbor as thyself. The heart of a true believer takes into consideration how his actions might affect his neighbor. With the law engrained within us (Jeremiah 31:33 & Ezekiel 11:19,20), and carried out across society, there might not be a need for Police, or the Courts at all.

But it’s time for a reality check, for not everyone has been born again and received that law to love their neighbors as themselves. Not the mention, there is evil in this world. Please do not consider this as a political piece, for Paul’s Epistle is written to people who desire to be under the Law again. It’s simply easier to know what is acceptable and what is not when there is a law to follow. And therein lies the problem: it’s difficult to “police” one’s self. And it’s very difficult when all around us are evil doers. I would be remiss if I did not remind you all that even within the peaceful religion of Buddhism, there is a militant element of them that persecutes non-Buddhists, and practices the caste system in their culture, persecuting the lower castes, even confining them to limited regions.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16

This is why evangelism is so important as an out-working of our faith, rather than an in-working of the Law.

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Galatians 5:1-15 - "A Little Leaven"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Galatians chapter 5 is packed with powerful truths about living in the freedom Christ gives us. In this chapter, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit.

He urges believers to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. When we live by the Spirit, we’ll experience love, joy, peace, and other wonderful qualities in our lives.

Paul reaches the climax of this epistle, stating what can properly be called the theme of his letter: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."  He follows with dire warnings about the consequences of seeking to be circumcised and justified by the Law. He then reminds them that the hope of righteousness is for those who through the Spirit eagerly wait for it with a faith working through love.

The next few verses continue with warnings about allowing others to hinder their progress, with Paul's harshest words reserved for those trying to impose circumcision. Yet Paul does not want anyone to think that liberty in Christ means license, and encourages them to use their liberty in order to serve one another in love. The two-fold benefit of this proper use of liberty is that one actually fulfills the Law, and at the same time does not give the flesh an opportunity to cause them to bite and devour one another.

Let’s jump into Galatians 5 together and discover how to embrace the liberty we have in Christ. We’ll explore what it means to walk by the Spirit and see the life-changing results that come from living under grace instead of the law.


Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Stand Fast (5:1) - means to remain tightly secured.  Paul is compelling the Galatian church, and all believers, to dig in their heels and remain consistent as they face hardship, danger, persecution, and conflict. Paul calls fellow believers to “stay true to the Lord” (Philippians 4:1).  We are free from the law and the flesh as a way of salvation and we are to walk in the freedom of His grace by living in the Spirit.

Free (5:1) - Deliverance from the curse that the law pronounces on the sinner who has been striving unsuccessfully to achieve his own righteousness (3:13, 22-26; 4:1-7). Now that the believer has embraced Christ and the salvation that is given by God through His grace.

Entangled Again (5:1) - means to be "burdened" again by a yoke we cannot carry.

Yoke of Bondage (5:1) - A yoke is a wooden crosspiece fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to a plow or cart. A yoke allows two animals to share a load and pull together. Yokes were used in Bible times primarily with bulls or oxen to plow fields and pull wagons. The animals yoked together needed to be close in size and weight for the cart or plow to pull evenly.  In the Bible the yoke is sometimes referenced metaphorically to describe the weight of a task or obligation.  The Jews referred to the "yoke of the law" as a good thing, the essence of true religion.  Paul argued that for those who pursued it as a way of salvation, the law was a yoke of slavery.

Circumcised (5:2) - Paul is not saying nobody should ever be circumcised, or that circumcised people cannot be Christians. This comment is specifically given in the context of a group of false teachers, the Judaizers, who pressured new non-Jewish Christians to be circumcised in order to be welcomed into God's family. These Galatian men likely did not know what to do. After all, every Hebrew in the Old Testament got circumcised. Even Jesus was circumcised under the law!  Paul's point is that either salvation is through faith in Christ alone, or it is through circumcision and the law. It cannot be both.

Christ . . . Profit You Nothing (5:2) - The atoning sacrifice of Christ cannot benefit anyone who trusts in law and ceremony for salvation.

Justified (5:4) - attempting to be justified by the law, rather than by faith in Christ, leads to separation from Christ and a rejection of God's grace.

Estranged from Christ . . . Fallen From Grace (5:4) - to be "separated" or "severed."  The word for fallen means "to lose one's grasp on something."  Paul's clear meaning is that any attempt to be justified by the law is to reject salvation by grace alone through faith alone.  Those once exposed to the gracious truth of the gospel, who then turn their backs on Christ (Hebrews 6:4-6) and seek justification by the law are separated from Christ and lose all prospects of god's gracious salvation.  Their desertion of Christ and the gospel only proves that their faith was never genuine.

The Hope of Righteousness (5:5) - Believers already possess the imputed righteousness of Christ, but they still await the completed and perfected righteousness that is yet to come at glorification (Romans 8:18, 21). 

Neither Circumcision . . . Uncircumcision (5:6) - Nothing done or not done in the flesh, even religious ceremony, makes any difference in one's relationship to God.  What is external is immaterial and worthless unless it reflects genuine internal righteousness (Romans 2:25-29).

Faith Working Through Love (5:6) - Saving faith proves its genuine character by works of love.  The person who lives by faith is internally motivated by love for God and Christ (Matthew 22:37-40).  True faith manifests itself in reverent worship, genuine obedience and self-sacrificing love for others.

You Ran Well (5:7) - Like a runner in a race, the Galatians began well in receiving the gospel message by faith and begun to live out that faith as believers in Christ. 

Obey the Truth (5:7) - A believer's true way of living in response to the true gospel message and in response to obeying the Word of God in our sanctification.

This Persuasion (5:8) - Paul is talking about salvation by works.  No where in the gospel to God promote legalism.  Christ is all-sufficient.  Nothing can be added to what He has done for us. 

Leaven (5:9) - In scripture, leaven denotes sin because its permeating power.  

Confidence In You (5:10) - Paul declares he is confident "in the Lord" that the Galatians will not ultimately accept this false teaching. God has given Paul confidence to believe the Galatians will get back up and keep running in the right direction together.

Judgement (5:10) - All false teachers will incur strict and devastating eternal condemnation.

Still Preach Circumcision (5:11) - The fact that the Judaizers were persecuting him rather than supporting him is clear that Paul agreed with their false teaching about circumcision be necessary for salvation.

Liberty (5:13) - Paul has spent most of this letter to the Galatians calling them to live in the freedom that comes with faith in Christ. With His own blood, Christ has purchased for those who trust Him a freedom from slavery to our sinfulness under the law. We are forgiven. We don't need to toil under the harsh burdens of the law (Galatians 3:23–29).

Opportunity for the Flesh (5:13) - The word "flesh" here refers to sinful inclinations of fallen man.  The freedom believers have is not a base from which they can sin freely and without consequence.

Serve One Another (5:13) - Believers freedom is not for selfish fulfillment, but for serving others. 

All the Law (5:14) - The ethics of the OT law are the same as those of the NT gospel as indicated in the quote from Leviticus 19:18.  When a believer genuinely loves others, he fulfills all the moral requirements of the Mosaic Law concerning them.  This is the ruling principle of Christian freedom.  

Bite and Devour One Another (5:15) - The imagery is of wild animals savagely attacking and killing each other - a graphic picture of what happens in the spiritual realm when believers do not love and serve one another. 

Morning Message: Jazal - al - Lawz

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Jabal - al-Lawz"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The traditional understanding of the location of Mt. Sinai has for the most part been one of several locations on the Sinai Peninsula. None of them are positively identified as Mount Sinai by evidence. Archaeologists have searched and searched without finding evidence of the location until they dug into God’s Word and found what we will read today.

It’s not on the Sinai Peninsula at all, but in Arabia, which makes perfect chronological sense. To get to the mountain, the Israelites would have had to have crossed the Red Sea twice if it was located on the Peninsula, and a third time to get to the Promised Land.

As part of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba, is a finger of the sea extending northward to today’s City of Eilat, Israel. Your Bible maps of the ancient world variously identify the City as Aila, Elath, and Ezion-geber. At Eilat we find the southernmost tip of Israel, and within 40 miles east and west, we find the Sinai (Egypt) to the west, and Arabia to the east, governed now by the House of Saud, hence “Saudi Arabia.” The Gulf of Aqaba follows the land rift where we find the Jordan River further to the north. This is the “land bridge” between the continents of Africa and Asia.

Exodus is mostly chronological, where we read of the path of the Israelites as they made their escape from Egypt, and the Gulf of Aqaba makes perfect sense, for the Red Sea crossing is recorded in Exodus prior to Moses meeting with God atop Mount Sinai. And just north of the Red Sea, in the Gulf, there is a narrow section of the Gulf where the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba are slightly shallower. Chariot wheels have been discovered at the bottom of the Gulf, along with other metal pieces that were part of the horse bridles. and chariot hardware.

Then continuing inland to the East, we come across Jabel al-Lawz, with its blackened peak, and evidence at its base of a large ancient human encampment, complete with broken pottery and cooking utensils. Today’s chapter is the only record in the King James Bible that provides a location for Mt. Sinai. Archaeological digs at the sea, and at the base of the mountain affirm this location as the most likely location for the mountain climbed by Moses to meet with God.

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Galatians 4:15-31 - "Jabal-al-Lawz"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

As we finish up Galatians 4 this week, Paul continues to emphasize that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not adherence to the law. Because of the false teaching the Galatians had been listening to, they had begun to see Paul and the gospel he preached as untrustworthy. Paul exposes the motive of false teachers, and that is that they only want to glorify themselves. As exasperated as Paul is with the Galatian church, he still calls them "My little children" as a protective parent desiring nothing more than to see them grasp the truth of the gospel and allowing Jesus Christ to transform their lives.

Paul's final argument is an appeal to the Law itself, addressed directly to those who desire to be under it. He reminds them of Abraham's two sons by Sarah and Hagar, and contends there are allegorical implications concerning the two covenants. Hagar, the bondwoman who gave birth to Ishmael, represents the covenant given at Mt. Sinai, and corresponds to physical Jerusalem and the bondage of those under the Law. Sarah, Abraham's wife who gave birth to Isaac, represents the new covenant and corresponds to the heavenly Jerusalem which offers freedom to all who accept it. With a reminder that those born of the Spirit can expect persecution by those born according to the flesh, Paul concludes his defense of the gospel of justification by faith in Christ by proclaiming that those in Christ are of not of the bondwoman but of the free.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Blessedness You Speak of (4:15) - Blessed is translated as "happy" or "satisfied." 

Your Enemy (4:16) - Because of the false teachers influence on the Galatian church, they had become so confused that some had come to regard him as their enemy.  Paul reminds them that he had not harmed them, but merely told them the truth, the truth that had once brought them great joy.

They (4:17) - the Judaizers.

Zealously (4:17) - with a serious concern and interest, similar to Paul's former zeal for Judaism.  The Judaizers appeared to have a genuine interest in the Galatians, but their motivation was to exclude the Galatians from God's gracious salvation and win recognition for themselves.

Not Only When I am Present (4:18) - Paul encouraged the Galatians to have the same zeal for the true gospel of grace that they had shown when he was with them.

My Little Children (4:19) - Paul's only use of this affectionate phrase, which John uses frequently.  

Until Christ Is Formed in You (4:19) - Paul is seeking to bring the Galatians to Christlikeness.  This is the goal of salvation.

Doubt of You (4:20) - in other words, to be at one's wits' end. He is honestly perplexed about them. In other words, he doesn't get it! He struggles to understand what has happened to them.

Two Sons (4:22) - Paul continues to contrast grace and law, faith and works and presents them with the OT story as an analogy, or illustration of the things he has been teaching.  The two sons are Ishmael, son of Sarah's maid, Hagar, and Isaac, Sarah's son from Genesis 16:1-16; 21:1-7. 

After the Flesh (4:23) - Ishmael's birth was completely motivated by Abraham and Sarah's lack of faith in God's promise and fulfilled by sinful human means.

Through Promise (4:23) - God's miracle enabling Abraham and Sarah to conceive and give birth to Isaac, even though Sarah was well past childbearing age and was barren her entire life.

Allegory (4:24) - A better word here is symbolic.  In order to help the Galatians understand that faith in Christ is superior, Paul uses historical people and places from the Old Testament to illustrate spiritual truth about Christ and the law from the two sons of Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael.

Two Covenants (4:24) - Two mothers, two sons, two covenants.  Hagar, Ishmael, and Mt Sinai (earthly Jerusalem) represent the covenant of law.  Sarah, Isaac and the heavenly Jerusalem represent the covenant of promise.  These are not different ways of salvation, the purpose of the Mosaic covenant was only to show all who were under its demands and condemnation their desperate need for salvation by grace. It was never to portray the way of salvation. Those who through Christ partake of salvation by grace through faith are freed from the law's bondage and condemnation. 

Mount Sinai (4:24) - A symbol for the Old Covenant where Moses received the law (Exodus 19).

Hagar (4:24) - Sarah's slave (Genesis 16:1), Hagar is a fitting illustration of those under bondage to the law.  

Answereth to Jerusalem (4:25) - There are two Jerusalem's. The law given at Mt. Sinai received its highest expression in the temple worship at Jerusalem.  The Jews were still in bondage to the law. 

Jerusalem Which is Above Free (4:26) - Heaven (Hebrews 12:18, 22).  Those who are citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20) are free from the Mosaic Law, works, bondage and trying endlessly and futilely to please God by the flesh.

The Mother (4:26) - Believers are children of heavenly Jerusalem, the "mother-city" of heaven.  

Children of Promise (4:28) - Just as Isaac inherited the promises made to Abraham (Genesis 26:1-3), so too are believers the recipients of God's redemptive promises (1 Corinthians 3:21-23; Ephesians 1:3), because they are spiritual heirs of Abraham.

Born According to the Flesh (4:29) - Ishmael - conceived by means of human effort, not in faith and trust in the miraculous work of God. 

Born According to the Spirit (4:29) - Isaac - the promise of God.  Ishmael mocked him at the feast celebrating Isaac's weaning (Genesis 21:8, 9). 

Even So it is Now (4:29) - Ishmael's descendants (Arabs) continue to persecute the Jews (Isaacs descendants), the same way unbelievers have always persecuted believers (cf. Matthew 5:11; 10:22-25; Mark 10:30; John 15:19, 20; 16:2, 33; 17:14; Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 11:32-37; i Peter 2:20, 21; 3:14; 4:12-14). 

Cast Out the Bondwoman (4:30) - Quoted from Genesis 21:10 to illustrate that those who are attempting to be justified on the basis of keeping the law will be cast out of God's presence forever (Matthew 8;12, 22:12, 13; 25:30; Luke 13:28; 2 Thessalonians 1:9).

Morning Message: Train Up A Child

 

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Train Up A Child"
Written By: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

We have witnessed in the media a wonderful example of what it means to train up children. From the days of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, there are lessons to learn from then Prince Charles and Princess Diana, to now just King Charles as he raised up Prince William, and Prince Harry. The training and grooming took to Prince William, and was rejected by Prince Harry.

Called to greatness, and in line for the Throne, Prince Harry rejected the calling of The Crown, and the family of Windsor. Poised for greatness, Harry made a poor choice, moving with his wife to the US, and struck out on his own. He is still a Windsor, but his future prospects were changed drastically.

The Jews were called to greatness; ARE called to greatness. But they too rejected the offering of the One sent to redeem them, and lead them to greatness. The Windsors are powerful, but what they do is done in public for all the world to see. The One making promises to Abraham is all powerful and always faithful to His Word. While fickleness is a trait common to mankind, faithfulness is a trait of our Creator and Lord. As we read through this fourth chapter of Galatians, we learn more of the training that Paul had been given by God. It was the training of a servant, and a handicapped one at that! Paul alludes to his thorn in the flesh, an affliction for which he prayed many times for relief and inevitably received grace enough to continue on in spite of personal discomfort, the result of his thorn in the flesh. It had displaced the haughtiness of Saul, and produced the humility of Paul, a servant of the Most High God.

Had he remained Saul, he would never have tasted of the liberty found in Christ Jesus. But since God had given him faith and a new identity, he traveled much of the known world of that time. His time in Rome may have cut short his planned visit to Spain, but Jesus has used that too.

“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Galatians 4:1-15 - "Train Up A Child"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

As we continue our study in the book of Galatians, Paul continues his defense of the gospel of justification by faith in Christ, in contrast to seeking justification by the works of the Law.   The previous chapter ended with Paul making a practical argument, how that by faith they had become the sons of God, the true seed of Abraham and heirs of the promise, when they put on Christ in baptism.

The practical argument continues in the first part of chapter four as Paul describes the condition of those under the Law prior to the coming of Christ. They were "children", and really no different than slaves. But when Christ came, He redeemed those under the Law and made it possible for them to receive the adoption as "sons". A special blessing of this sonship was receiving the Spirit in their hearts, and now they are no longer as a slave but as a son and a heir of God through Christ (1-7).

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Child (4:1) - The Greek word refers to a child too young to talk, a minor, spiritually and intellectually immature and not ready for the privileges and responsibilities of adulthood.

Tudors and Governors (4:2) - These are guardians and stewards.  Guardians were slaves entrusted with the care of underage boys, while stewards managed their property for them until they came of age.  Along with the tutor (3:24), they had almost complete charge of the child - so that, for all practical purposes, a child under their care did not differ from a slave.

Children . . . in bondage (4:3) - Before "coming of age" or saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Elements of the World (4:3) - From the Greek meaning "row," or "rank," and was used to speak of basic, foundational things like the letters of the alphabet.  In light of its use in verse 9, it is best to see it here as a reference to the basic elements and rituals of human religion.  Paul describes both Jewish and Gentile religions as elemental because they are merely human, never rising to the level of the divine.  Both Jewish religion and Gentile religion centered on man-made systems of works.  They are filled with laws and ceremonies to be performed in order to achieve divine acceptance.  All such rudimentary elements are immature, like behaviors of children under bondage to a guardian. 

Fullness of Time (4:4) - In God's timetable, when the exact religious, cultural, and political conditions demanded by His perfect plan were in place, Jesus came into the world. 

God Sent Forth His Son (4:4) - God set His son at the precise moment to bring all who believe out from under bondage to the law.  Jesus repeatedly affirmed this truth (John 5:30, 36-37; 6:39, 44, 57; 8:16, 18, 42; 12:49; 17:21, 25; 20:21).  

Born of a Woman (4:4) - Not only is God's Sun fully Deity, but fully human (Isaiah 7:4; Matthew 1:20-25). Jesus had to be fully God for His sacrifice to be of the infinite worth needed to atone for sin.  But He also had to be fully man so He could take upon Himself the penalty of sin as our substitute.  (Luke 1:32, 35; John 1:1, 14, 18).

Under the Law (4:4) - Like all men, Jesus was obligated to obey God's Law.  Unlike anyone else, however, He perfectly obeyed that law (John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5).  His sinlessness made Him the unblemished sacrifice for sins, who "fulfilled all righteousness," perfectly obeyed God in everything.  That perfect righteousness is what is imputed to those who believe in Him.

To Redeem those Under the Law (4:5) - Guilty sinners who are under the law's demands and its curses and in need of a Savior. 

Adoption as Sons (4:5) - Adoption is the act of bringing someone who is the offspring of another into one's own family.  Since unregenerate people are by nature children of the devil, the only way they can become God's children is by spiritual adoption (Romans 8;15, 23; Ephesians 1:5). 

Spirit of His Son (4:6) - It is the Holy spirit's work to confirm to believers their adoption as God's children.  Assurance of salvation is a gracious work of the Holy Spirit and does not come from any human source.

Abba (4:6) - An Aramaic term of endearment, used by young children to speak to their fathers; the equivalent of the word Daddy.

When You Did Not Know God (4:8) - Before coming to the saving faith in Christ, no unsaved person knows God.

Known By God (4:9) - We can know God only because He first knew us, just as we choose Him only because He first chose us (John 6:44; 15:16), and we love Him only because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Days . . . Years (4:10 - Rituals, ceremonies and festivals of the Jewish religious calendar which God had given, but were never required for the church.  Paul warns the Galatians, as he did the Colossians against legalistically observing them as if they were required by God or could earn favor with Him.

Labored . . . In Vain (4:11) - Paul feared that his effort in establishing and building the Galatians churches might prove to be futile if they fell back into legalism (1 Thessalonians 3:5).

I am as Ye are (4:12) - Paul had been a proud, self-righteous Pharisee, trusting in his own righteousness to save him (Philippians 3:4-6).  When he came to Christ, he abandoned all efforts to save himself, trusting wholly in God's grace (Philippians 3:7-9).  He urged the Galatians to follow his example and avoid the legalism of the Judaizers.  

You Have Not Injured Me (4:12) - Though the Jews persecuted him when he first went to Galatia, the Galatian believers had not harmed Paul but had enthusiastically received him when he preached the gospel to them.

Blessing (4:15) - Blessing can also be translated "happiness," or "satisfaction."  Paul points out that the Galatians had be happy and content with the preaching of the gospel (Acts 13:48) and wonders why they had turned against him.