Study Desk

While he is young, he is cared for by men his father trusts. These men tell the child what he can and cannot do. The child cannot do what he wants to do until he has become a certain age.

But at the right time, God sent His Son. A woman gave birth to Him under the Law.

This all happened so He could buy with His blood and make free all those who were held by the Law. Then we might become the sons of God.

Because you are the sons of God, He has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts. The Spirit cries, "Father!"

Think of it like this: These two women show God's two ways of working with His people. The children born from Hagar are under the Law given on Mount Sinai. They will be servants who are owned by someone and will always be told what to do!

If you expect to be made right with God by obeying the Law, then you have turned away from Christ and His loving-favor.

Those of us who belong to Christ have nailed our sinful old selves on His cross. Our sinful desires are now dead.

Everyone should look at himself and see how he does his own work. Then he can be happy in what he has done. He should not compare himself with his neighbor.

Everyone must do his own work.

He who is taught God's Word should share the good things he has with his teacher.

If a man does things to please his sinful old self, his soul will be lost. If a man does things to please the Holy Spirit, he will have life that lasts forever.

Even before the world was made, God chose us for Himself because of His love. He planned that we should be holy and without blame as He sees us.

God already planned to have us as His own children. This was done by Jesus Christ. In His plan God wanted this done.

We thank God for His loving-favor to us. He gave this loving-favor to us through His much-loved Son.

Because of the blood of Christ, we are bought and made free from the punishment of sin. And because of His blood, our sins are forgiven. His loving-favor to us is so rich.

We who were the first to put our trust in Christ should thank Him for His greatness.

The truth is the Good News. When you heard the truth, you put your trust in Christ. Then God marked you by giving you His Holy Spirit as a promise.

The Holy Spirit was given to us as a promise that we will receive everything God has for us. God's Spirit will be with us until God finishes His work of making us complete. God does this to show His shining-greatness.

I pray that the great God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ may give you the wisdom of His Spirit. Then you will be able to understand the secrets about Him as you know Him better.

I pray that you will know how great His power is for those who have put their trust in Him.