DrMikeBagwell.org

  • Contact
  • Calendar
  • Standing With the Bagwells
  • Bible Study Pages Archive
  • Recent Revival Meetings

Archives for October 2018

GALATIANS … SELF DECEIVED!

October 31, 2018 by Dr. Mike Bagwell

Our Verse for today: “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” Galatians 6:3

This emphasis is nearly the opposite of the last two verses we’ve studied! Such as having “the spirit of meekness” back in verse 1 (of Galatians 6) and “bearing one another’s burdens” back in verse 2.

Now (here in verse 3) it’s a man really (but falsely) “thinking himself to be something!” 

Wow!

The verb “think” here is “dokeo.” In the present tense, no less! This person “thinks” (“esteems, evaluates, deems”)that he is pretty special every day he lives! Habitually so!

By the way, the pronoun for “himself” (in Greek “tis”) is (as indicated in the King James Version) in the masculine gender. (Although undoubtedly ladies can sin in this area as well.) But Paul does have the MEN in mind here! The men who have been arguing over the Gospel of Grace, some denying its sole power to save sinners!

Remember Proverbs 13:10 … “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Especially that first clause! (And “thinking oneself to be SOMETHING” sure sounds like pride!) Hence the Galatian “contention,” that needless doctrinal “controversy!”

For “something” read “someone powerfully significant!” A “big shot” the old timers would have said! But self-conceited, in reality!

Then Paul “drops the hammer” so to speak, bursts that man’s inflated “bubble” … “when he is nothing!” 

Using a verb and an adjective … “to be” and “no way, nothing, no one!”

In truth the man is as “little” as he perceives himself to be “big!”

Wow!

Is Paul (in context) saying that this vain man “who thinks himself great” will be of no help whatsoever in “restoring a fallen brother?” Or in “bearing someone else’s burdens?”

I think so.

Then our Text verse draws a conclusion: this man “deceiveth himself.” (Another verb – adjective combo!) But a surprise verb awaits us here!

For “deceive” one would have expected the simple “apatao,” meaning “misled” but with some logical reason for being so deluded. With an “objective” emphasis! (Well, he DID graduate summa cum laude! Or … he IS the best preacher around! Or … do you know what honorable family heritage he POSSESSES?)

He is still deceived … but can give you two or three reasons why he is so puffed up!

But instead, the Holy Spirit has Paul use the verb “phrenapatao,” simply meaning “deceived” but with no reason whatsoever informing his vanity, his pride!

The term literally means “to lead one’s own mind (‘phren’ in Greek) astray!”

Wow!

How silly!

A man intoxicated on his own (perceived) self-worth! 

Thus a man useless in the Body of Christ, in the area of helping others anyway.

This verse also may have linkage to Galatians 2:2 which talks about those who were “of reputation!”  And Galatians 2:6 where some people “seemed to be somewhat!” In both instances our verb “dokeo” is used. Translated “thinketh” here in our Text today. It seems the Galatian Churches were overly saturated with such pride!

“Nobodies” thinking themselves to be “Somebodies!”

Sad!

Oh, Jesus would have taught them that to ever be a real somebody for Christ … you’d need to make yourself a “nobody” first … by going out and serving and serving and serving others!

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Oh how we need humility in our lives!

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

GALATIANS … BURDEN BEARERS

October 30, 2018 by Dr. Mike Bagwell

Paul often closes his Epistles with a few words (sometime more than that) of practical advice. After teaching DOCTRINE for around half his “pen time,” he then switches and teaches PRACTICE! (Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy, then call it!)

Doctrine is what be believe. 

Practice is how we behave (based on what we believe)!

And Galatians 6:2 is as “practical” as a verse of Scripture can be. Here it is: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” 

Sweet, precious … yet demanding!

First let’s note that the admonition is a command! Yes, it is expressed (written) here in the imperative mood. We Christians owe that to each other, to bear one another’s burdens!

This is also a second person plural verb, in the present tense no less! Paul is writing to all (plural) the saints in Galatia. And he means this command, this “burden bearing” activity to be an ongoing ministry, “present” tense. Every day!

The Greek verb for “bear” is “bastazo,” used only 27 times in the New Testament. It simply means “to pick something up and carry it.”

In Matthew 3:11, for example, John the Baptist did not consider himself worthy “to bear” (to tote) Jesus’ shoes!

Mark 14:13 mentions a young man “bearing” (carrying) a pitcher of water.

In Luke 7:14 a group of young men were “bearing” a dead man’s casket.

You get the idea, I’m sure.

All us Christians are to do what we can to “bear” each other’s “heavy loads.”

The noun “burdens” is commensurate here as well. (Commensurate means “corresponding in size or degree; in proportion.)

It is “baros,” sparsely (thinly dispersed or scattered) used in the New Testament, just 6 times.

And “baros” especially emphasizes the HEAVINESS of a load of freight! (Not necessarily in regard to “size,” but to sheer “weight!”)

Wow!

Here is “baros” in a good sense. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal WEIGHT of glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:17, praise the Lord!

What a Verse today.

Again … “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” 

That part about “fulfilling (“anaplero” … to the very brim, that very full) the Law of Christ” means essentially “as Jesus did!” Or as “based on the Love of Christ.” Or even as “fulfilling the Law of Moses, but in a Holy Spirit mandated fashion!” 

Wow!

Love!

Help, compassion!

Burden bearing!

That’s the OIL with which the machinery of Christianity most smoothly works, functions!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Here’s the spirit of today’s verse worded differently, but still from Galatians. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, BUT BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER.” Galatians 5:13

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

GALATIANS 6:1 … ON BEING TEMPTED

October 29, 2018 by Dr. Mike Bagwell

Here’s our Text in full, even though today we will only study its last clause. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, LEST THOU ALSO BE TEMPTED.” I have purposely capitalized the last few words.

Clearly, the man “overtaken” in a fault was “tempted” into some sort of failure. That’s why Paul employs the word “also,” lest we also fall into the same trap!

The implication is that our helping that weaker brother … could (if we are not ultra cautious) result in our succumbing to his particular temptation! Or to one like it.

Thus we need to be extra diligent (and as we saw in our last Lesson) to “consider ourselves.” In other words, “watch ourselves.” And look for the devil lurking nearby!

The New Testament is always leery of this thing called “temptation.” At least in its sense of meaning “an allurement to sin.” It is a thing to be avoided. Do remember Jesus’ prayer, better yet, Jesus’ instruction to us on how to pray: “Lead us not into temptation.”

That is, do not put yourself in the way of temptation!

Maybe that is why Paul so strongly warned young Timothy: “FLEE ALSO YOUTHFUL LUSTS: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2nd Timothy 2:22, King James Version, “flee,” to escape!

Jude picks up on this possible “danger when helping others” syndrome. “And others SAVE … WITH FEAR, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude’s 23rd verse, with “fear” meaning the utmost carefulness, nearly to the point of anxiousness. 

Do NOT knowingly put yourself in the “crosshairs” of the devil!

Paul’s second Epistle to the Corinthians may help here: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:11

Now back to where we started: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, LEST THOU ALSO BE TEMPTED.”

Except … having been fore-warned, maybe we can thus be better fore-armed as well!

So let us henceforth (especially when helping weaker brothers and sisters in Christ) be, as Peter suggested: “Be SOBER, be VIGILANT; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 

“Sober” here means “alert, circumspect (looking all around)!

And “vigilant” means “awake!”

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

GALATIANS … THE SATURDAY LESSON

October 27, 2018 by Dr. Mike Bagwell

Debbie last week riding the elevator. We were going down 12 floors to the car. On the way to preach in Conway, South Carolina.

I am up and busy this morning, already doing some preliminary packing for the drive to Bath Springs, Tennessee … this week’s Revival. But I must run to my library (a climate controlled storage building) and do some research on these five upcoming Sermons!

My point … the Lesson will be written later this morning.

Thanks for stopping by …

Dr, Mike Bagwell

Update …

We went to vote “early” … in order to voice our convictions in a critical Georgia election. But we stood and stood and stood in line … and are just now getting back home!

We want our conservative Christian values to be heard!

Anyway, no time to write the Lesson now. I apologize. My intentions early this morning were pure! We are finishing the last minute details to get on the road to this week’s Revival.

Pray for us please.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

GALATIANS … “CONSIDERING THYSELF”

October 26, 2018 by Dr. Mike Bagwell

Galatians 6:1 toggles back and forth between some critical “plurals” and “singulars,” grammatically speaking. And today, in the Lesson, we are back to studying one of the “singular” pronouns the Verse employs.

Let me show you what I mean …

“Brethren (plural), if a man (singular) be overtaken in a fault, ye (plural) which are spiritual, restore such an one (singular) in the spirit of meekness; CONSIDERING THYSELF (singular), lest thou (still singular) also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

Now (having already discussed the majority of the Text)  we must notice the clause “considering thyself.”  Sort of a warning, I’d call it. Take caution!

If you try to help that fallen (“overtaken in a fault”) brother or sister, be careful!

The verb “considering” (a present tense, active voice participle) is spelled “skopeo” in Greek. This gives us our English word “scope,” as is evident. The Greeks “loaned” it to us Americans!

And “skopeo” means “to look at, to observe,” even at times “to contemplate.” In the King James New Testament it is rendered “mark” twice, and “take heed” once. As in “keep an eye” on him or her or that!

Then Paul adds that singular pronoun (mentioned earlier), “thyself.” It’s spelled “seautou” in Greek, here in the accusative case, indicating the “object” of one’s watchfulness.

Be careful for yourself … you’re on dangerous ground … exercise caution!

Help your brother, then quickly get away from that type of sinfulness, the very thing that brought him down! Second Corinthians 2:11 comes to mind: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us (get a hold of us, in abundance): for we are not ignorant of his devices (thoughts).”

Wow!

You are NOT above (immune to, exempt from) that temptation (whatever it may have been) that overtook your friend in Christ!

Be prudent here! “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 22:3 and Proverbs 27:13, two times, same words!

Pull the “overtaken” one out of that pit … and both y ‘all run away!

A line of Paul warning to Timothy fits here: “Save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1st Timothy 4:16, amazing!

May the Holy Spirit apply this truth to our lives today. And may He bring this little warning to mind next time we reach our to help a weaker brother!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

The Lord willing, just one more Lesson from Galatians 6:1, tomorrow morning. Then Monday we continue our long journey through his wonderful Epistle, which is rapidly becoming one of my favorites!

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 6
  • Next Page »

Search

Let's study God's Word together! Each day you will find a new, freshly written lesson. You can see a long list of all the Daily Posts by clicking on our SITE MAP.

The "Standing with the Bagwells" Page continues each morning with a bit of personal news.

And don't forget that the Bible Study Archives page can point you to any one of dozens of Bible Expositions here on the Website.

Recent Posts

  • “HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOR EVER!”
  • ON THE PSALMS …
  • PSALM 11 … “FLEE AS A BIRD?”
  • INTERCESSORY PRAYER?
  • “LORD, IS IT I?”

Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
Visit the links below to navigate around our website:

Links

  • Contact
  • Calendar
  • Standing With the Bagwells
  • Bible Study Pages Archive
  • Recent Revival Meetings

Copyright © 2025 · eleven40 Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in