Bannockburn Church

And chapter 4 is the turning point in his letter to the Ephesians.

Paul has just finished three chapters of deep truth and in those chapters he talks over and over again about all that has been given to the follower of Jesus: “Because you follow Jesus...You have adoption, redemption, inheritance, power, life, grace, citizenship, and the love of Christ.”

Christmas is a time of year that brings about a whirlwind of emotions. We often think of loved ones present and past, reminisce about cherished childhood memories, and even reflect on gifts given and received. Regardless of who we are – young or old, rich or poor – Christmas stirs our hearts. But even before the first Christmas, hearts were stirred, perhaps most profoundly by the one who understood it best at the time: Mary. As the very first to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, this Christmas we step into her place, into young Mary’s heart, and with wonder and awe, faith, and even joy, we the behold JESUS: the incredible answer the world was longing for.

Just like Mary, we enter this Christmas season with hearts filled with joy for what Jesus has done and will do for us!

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of

my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear himfrom generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm;he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thronesand exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Just like Mary, we enter this Christmas season with hearts filled with faith for what Jesus has done and will do for us!

Christmas is a time of year that brings about a whirlwind of emotions. We often think of loved ones present and past, reminisce about cherished childhood memories, and even reflect on gifts given and received. Regardless of who we are – young or old, rich or poor – Christmas stirs our hearts. But even before the first Christmas, hearts were stirred, perhaps most profoundly by the one who understood it best at the time: Mary. As the very first to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, this Christmas we step into her place, into young Mary’s heart, and with wonder and awe, faith, and even joy, we the behold JESUS: the incredible answer the world was longing for.

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in

your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Galatians 6:11-18

Bringing his letter to a close personally, Paul pulls back the curtain once again on motivations. The false teachers, he exposes, seek to control the Galatians for personal advantage. But Paul? His heart’s desire, from the very beginning, has been for the churches to experience true obedience, the freedom, and ultimately, the overflowing joy that comes from embracing the magnificent gospel of Jesus Christ. He implores them to remain steadfast in their commitment to this message.

Galatians 6:1-10

As the gospel transforms our lives, it also shapes our concern for fellow believers. It compels us to share their burdens and cultivate love within the household of faith. After all, if Christ sacrificed himself for us, then loving others in this way is not only a small price to pay, but a joy to engage in.

Galatians 5:16-26

The natural question arises: if faith is the cornerstone of the gospel, how do we live by it? Anticipating this, Paul offers a clear answer: it’s only through the Holy Spirit’s power that we can walk in righteousness. On our own, we’d succumb to self-serving desires. But trusting in Christ, our lives will bear incredible fruit, glorifying God in the process.

Galatians 5:1-15

With the gospel’s foundation firmly laid, Paul pivots to its implications for daily life. Freed from the constraints of the Law, we now live solely through Christ. But this freedom isn’t a license for self-indulgence; it compels us towards righteous love for one another. This liberation empowers us to serve and love our fellow believers, fulfilling Christ’s true intention.

Galatians 4:21-31

This section of Galatians might seem complex to modern readers, but for the Galatian believers steeped in the Old Testament, Paul’s analogy of two covenants, two sons, and two wives of Abraham would have been clear. His ultimate message? The Old Testament Law served a purpose, but it wasn’t meant to be permanent. True freedom from slavery and true sonship, he argues, comes only through the promise of Christ.

Galatians 4:12-20

Pressing on in his letter, Paul lays out two stark paths for the Galatians: follow his example or the false teachers’. He paints a vivid picture of his conduct during his visit, highlighting their enthusiastic response – a response that has seemingly and inexplicably turned cold. Instead, he reminds them of his love for them and urges them to stay the course and hold fast to what was taught them. Beware, he warns, those peddling a different message – they crave control, not your freedom.

Galatians 4:1-11

As Paul calls the Galatians back to the true gospel, he reminds them that it’s through this gospel alone that they have received sonship in Christ. If they were truly sons, they were free. So why return to the bondage of the Law? These flimsy, external rules only serve to enslave them and threaten to dismantle the very freedom they found in Christ.