Category Archives: New Testament

Galatians 6 on 11/12 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul shows what life in the Spirit looks like in real relationships. When someone is caught in sin, those who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness, watching themselves (v. 1). We’re called to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ—love (v. 2). Each believer should examine his own work, carrying his own load while avoiding comparison (vv. 4–5). Churches should share all good things with those who teach the Word (v. 6). God is not mocked: we reap what we sow—sowing to the flesh leads to corruption, but sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life (vv. 7–8). So don’t grow weary; in due season we will reap if we don’t give up. Do good to everyone, especially the household of faith (vv. 9–10).

Paul closes in big letters, warning against teachers who boast in outward signs to avoid persecution (vv. 11–13). He will boast only in the cross of Christ—through it, the world is crucified to him and he to the world (v. 14). What counts is not circumcision but being a new creation (v. 15). Peace and mercy rest on those who follow this rule, the true people of God (v. 16). Paul bears the marks of Jesus in his body and ends with a blessing of grace (vv. 17–18).

🌀 Reflection:
Whose burden can you help carry this week (v. 2)? And where do you need to shift your “boast” from self—wins, work, or worry—to the cross of Christ (v. 14)?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Sow to the Spirit today (v. 8): reach out and gently restore a struggling friend (v. 1), support a gospel teacher with a tangible gift or note (v. 6), and do one concrete good for a church member (v. 10).

Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.

Galatians 5 on 11/11 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul urges the church to stand firm in the freedom Christ gives and not trade it for a yoke of slavery by making circumcision (or any work) a requirement for being right with God (vv. 1–6). If you choose law-keeping for justification, you’re obligated to keep all of it—and you cut yourself off from the grace of Christ (vv. 3–4). The Christian hope rests not in what we do, but in grace through faith in Jesus alone working through love (vv. 5:6, 11–12).

Freedom isn’t a license to sin; it’s power to love and serve one another, which fulfills the law (vv. 13–14). The battle is real: the flesh desires against the Spirit, but the way forward is to walk by the Spirit so you will not gratify the flesh (vv. 16–18). The works of the flesh are obvious—sexual sin, idolatry, divisiveness, envy, drunkenness—and those who make a practice of such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (vv. 19–21). In contrast, the Spirit grows love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control in us; against such things there is no law (vv. 22–23). Belonging to Jesus means we have crucified the flesh and now keep in step with the Spirit (vv. 24–26).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted to earn God’s approval or to indulge the flesh? Ask the Spirit to help you “keep in step” today, and pick one fruit of the Spirit to practice intentionally (vv. 16, 22–25).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Serve someone in love this week—meet a practical need, reconcile a strained relationship, or encourage a weary friend—so that your faith works through love (vv. 6, 13–14).

Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.

Galatians 4 on 11/10 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul explains that before Christ came, God’s people were like heirs who were still minors—no different from slaves under guardians (vv. 1–3). But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman and born under the law, to redeem those under the law so we might receive adoption as sons (vv. 4–5). Because we are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts so we cry, “Abba! Father!” and are no longer slaves but heirs through God (vv. 6–7).

Paul warns the Galatians not to turn back to the old “elementary principles” by keeping special days, months, seasons, and years as if they were required (vv. 9–11). He appeals to their past love for him when he first preached to them through weakness/illness, contrasting his sincere care with the flattery of the false teachers (vv. 12–18). With pains of childbirth, he longs for Christ to be formed in them (vv. 19–20).

Using Hagar and Sarah, Paul shows that seeking righteousness by the law leads to slavery, while trusting God’s promise brings freedom (vv. 21–31). Believers are like Isaac—children of promise, belonging to the Jerusalem above and called to cast out the enslaving message of works-righteousness (vv. 28–31).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted to slip back into rule-keeping to feel accepted by God? Remember—you are adopted, indwelt by the Spirit, and free to call God “Abba, Father” (vv. 6–7).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage someone who feels like a spiritual slave. Share Galatians 4:4–7 and remind them of the gift of adoption and the Spirit’s witness in our hearts.

Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.

Galatians 3 on 11/9 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul calls the Galatians “foolish” for turning from the gospel of grace to the works of the law (v. 1). They had received the Spirit by hearing with faith, not by keeping rules (vv. 2–5). To make his point, Paul reminds them of Abraham, who was counted righteous by faith long before the law was given (vv. 6–9). True children of Abraham, whether Jew or Gentile, are those who believe as he did.

But those who rely on the law’s works are under a curse, since no one can keep it perfectly (vv. 10–12). The good news is that Christ redeemed us from the curse by becoming a curse for us—He bore our sin on the cross so that the blessing of Abraham and the gift of the Spirit might come to all nations through faith (vv. 13–14). The promise given to Abraham came long before the law, and the law did not cancel it (vv. 15–18). Instead, the law was given to reveal sin and to lead us to Christ, the true “offspring” of Abraham (vv. 19–22).

Through faith in Jesus, believers are no longer under a guardian but have become sons and daughters of God (vv. 23–26). All who are baptized into Christ have put on Christ—their identity is now found in Him. In God’s family, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus (vv. 27–28). And if we belong to Christ, then we are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise (v. 29).

🌀 Reflection:
Are you resting in God’s promise or striving to earn His approval? Remember—your righteousness and acceptance come by faith alone in Christ who redeemed you.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Remind someone today that the gospel is not about what we do for God, but what Christ has done for us—share Galatians 3:13–14 as good news of freedom and grace.

Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.

Galatians 2 on 11/8 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul recalls a visit to Jerusalem where the leaders recognized his gospel and mission. Even with Titus (a Gentile) present, they did not require circumcision, showing that Gentiles are received by grace, not by law (vv. 1–5). James, Peter (Cephas), and John gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that Paul would go to the Gentiles while they focused on the Jews—only asking them to remember the poor (vv. 6–10).

Later in Antioch, Paul opposed Peter for withdrawing from table fellowship with Gentile believers under pressure from the “circumcision” group (vv. 11–14). Such behavior denied the truth of the gospel. Paul states the heart of it: a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ (vv. 15–16). Believers have died to the law and now live to God—“I have been crucified with Christ… and the life I now live… I live by faith in the Son of God” (vv. 19–20). If righteousness could come by the law, Christ died for no purpose (v. 21).

🌀 Reflection:
Ask the Lord to expose any ways you lean on performance for acceptance with God. Rest in Christ’s finished work, and live by faith in the One who loved you and gave Himself for you (v. 20).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage a believer who feels like a “second-class Christian.” Share Galatians 2:16 or 2:20 and remind them that in Christ, they are fully accepted by grace.

Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.

Galatians 1 on 11/7 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul opens by reminding the Galatians that his apostleship comes not from men but through Jesus Christ and God the Father (v. 1). He greets them with grace and peace, pointing immediately to the gospel—that Jesus gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, all according to God’s will and for His glory (vv. 3–5). His authority and his message both come directly from the risen Lord, not through human instruction (vv. 11–12).

But Paul is astonished that the Galatians are so quickly deserting the grace of Christ for a different gospel that is not the good news about Jesus at all (vv. 6–7). He warns that the message of salvation through Christ alone cannot be altered, and that anyone—whether an apostle or even an angel—who preaches another gospel stands under God’s curse (vv. 8–9). Paul’s concern is not to please people but to remain a faithful servant of Christ (v. 10).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted to care more about human approval than about the truth of the gospel? Ask the Lord to help you stand firm in His grace.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share with someone this week what makes the gospel “good news”—that Jesus gave Himself to rescue us from sin and bring us peace with God.

Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.

Acts 28 on 11/6 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Shipwrecked on Malta, Paul is met with “unusual kindness.” Even a viper bite cannot stop God’s plan; Paul shakes it off and keeps serving (vv. 1–6). He prays for Publius’s sick father and the man is healed; soon many on the island come and are cured, and the people supply everything needed for the voyage (vv. 7–10). After winter, Paul sails north—Syracuse, Rhegium, Puteoli—and believers walk out from Rome to meet him at the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. Seeing them, Paul thanks God and takes courage (vv. 11–16).

In Rome, Paul does what he always does: he starts with the Jews. He explains his chains and spends a full day “from morning till evening” showing from Moses and the Prophets that Jesus is the promised King (vv. 17–23). Some believe; others don’t (v. 24). Paul quotes Isaiah about dull hearts and declares that God’s salvation is sent to the Gentiles (vv. 26–28). The book closes with Paul under house arrest for two years, welcoming all who come, preaching the kingdom, and teaching about the Lord Jesus “with all boldness and without hindrance” (vv. 30–31).

🌀 Reflection:
Where might God be calling you to keep speaking about Jesus “without hindrance” even when life feels inconvenient—cold rain, snakebites, delays, or discouraging responses (vv. 1–6, 23–28, 30–31)?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage a weary believer today. Send a short note or text that says, “Keep going—God’s word is not bound” (vv. 15, 31). Offer one practical help (a meal, a ride, a call) that helps them keep serving Jesus.

Continue reading in our NT260 plan with the second part of Phase 2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.

Acts 27 on 11/5 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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On the way to Rome, Paul sails as a prisoner under the care of a kind centurion named Julius (vv. 1–3). Against Paul’s warning to winter in Fair Havens, the crew and owner push on—and a violent northeaster slams the ship (vv. 9–15). For days they battle the storm, throwing cargo and tackle overboard until all hope seems gone (vv. 18–20). Then Paul stands up with a word from God: an angel has promised that everyone’s lives will be spared, though the ship will be lost—because Paul “must stand before Caesar” (vv. 22–26).

Paul’s faith turns panic into purpose. He stops a secret escape by the sailors to protect the others (vv. 30–32), urges everyone to eat for strength, and publicly gives thanks to God before 276 souls (vv. 33–37). At daylight they aim for a beach, strike a reef, and the ship breaks apart—but every person makes it safely to shore on planks and pieces of the boat, just as God said (vv. 39–44).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you feeling storm-tossed right now? Ask the Lord to steady your heart so you can move from fear to faithful action—trusting His promise and doing the next wise thing (vv. 22–26, 31–35).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Be a “Paul” in someone’s storm. Share a brief prayer and a stabilizing verse with a friend who’s struggling today (text or call), and—if possible—meet a practical need that helps them “take heart” (vv. 33–36).

Click here to return to the contents page for NT260 | Phase 2.1.

Acts 26 on 11/4 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Standing before King Agrippa, Paul once again turned his defense into an opportunity to share the gospel. With respect and courage, he told his story—how he had once lived as a zealous Pharisee, opposing Jesus and persecuting His followers (vv. 4–11). Then, on the road to Damascus, a light brighter than the sun surrounded him, and the risen Jesus spoke to him, calling him to be His servant and witness (vv. 13–16). Jesus sent Paul to proclaim forgiveness and salvation, to turn people “from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God” (v. 18).

Paul declared that he had been obedient to this heavenly vision, preaching repentance to both Jews and Gentiles (vv. 19–20). Though his message led to persecution, he boldly testified that Christ’s death and resurrection fulfilled what Moses and the prophets had promised (vv. 22–23). When Festus interrupted, calling Paul insane, Paul calmly insisted that his message was true and reasonable (vv. 24–25). Then he turned directly to Agrippa: “Do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe” (v. 27). Agrippa’s response revealed a heart almost—but not entirely—persuaded (v. 28). Paul’s closing words captured his mission and his heart: “I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains” (v. 29).

When the hearing ended, Agrippa and Festus agreed: Paul was innocent and could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (v. 32). Yet God’s purpose was unfolding—Rome was next.

🌀 Reflection:
Like Paul, every believer is called to be a witness to the risen Jesus. Who in your life still needs to be invited to “turn from darkness to light” and receive forgiveness through Christ (v. 18)?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share your testimony this week. Tell someone—briefly and sincerely—how Jesus met you, changed you, and called you to walk in His light (vv. 13–18).

Click here to return to the contents page for NT260 | Phase 2.1.

Acts 25 on 11/3 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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When Festus arrived, the Jewish leaders quickly tried to pressure him into transferring Paul to Jerusalem—hoping to ambush and kill him on the way (vv. 1–3). But Festus insisted the trial be held in Caesarea, unknowingly protecting Paul (vv. 4–5). Once again, the Jews brought serious accusations that they couldn’t prove, and Paul firmly defended himself: he had not broken the law of the Jews, profaned the temple, or rebelled against Caesar (vv. 7–8). When Festus, trying to please the Jews, suggested another hearing in Jerusalem, Paul appealed to Caesar—exercising his right as a Roman citizen (vv. 9–11). This bold move ensured his safety and set the course for his journey to Rome, just as the Lord had promised (23:11).

Soon after, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice visited Festus, who explained Paul’s situation and admitted that the charges were purely religious—centered on “a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive” (vv. 18–19). Agrippa agreed to hear Paul himself (vv. 22–23). As the royal pair entered the hall with great pomp, surrounded by Roman officials and city leaders, Paul was brought in—not as a defeated prisoner, but as a faithful witness for Christ. Festus admitted his dilemma: he had “nothing definite to write” about Paul’s charges to Caesar (vv. 26–27). What man saw as confusion, God was using for His sovereign purpose—to bring the gospel to the highest courts of Rome.

🌀 Reflection:
Even when falsely accused or misunderstood, God’s purpose still stands. How can you, like Paul, trust that your trials may become divine opportunities to witness for Jesus (v. 11; cf. 23:11)?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Look for an “occasion for testimony” this week (Luke 21:13). Use your circumstances—good or bad—as a platform to speak about the risen Jesus (v. 19).

Click here to return to the contents page for NT260 | Phase 2.1.