"Tell them that it's human nature"--A study of Galatians (Day One Intro)

 

Welcome everyone!!  This is day one of our study of the book of Galatians.  I want to start by explaining how I came up with the title.  To prepare, I listened to Galatians at least 20 times.  As I listened, I waited for a theme to pop out to me.  We did a study over a section of Galatians in late summer 2021 called The Fruit of the Spirit.  Otherwise I didn't know very much about the book.  I thought I knew that Paul wrote it to a church in the town of Galatia; but as I researched, I found even that is up for discussion.  

A repeated occurence I noticed--the author, the apostle Paul, is full of questions for these people!!  I saw a reel (and I hope to actually find it and share it with you before this study is over....) that portrayed the Galatians as Sponge Bob getting a letter, and when he opened it, a big fist came out and punched him in the face.  😆😆😆   Paul asks  "Why? Where? What? How?" ... and because my brain is full of song lyrics, I kept hearing Michael Jackson singing "Why? Why? Tell them that it's human nature!" So I went with it.  (Side note...we probably know, but will learn even more deeply---the correct, Biblically-informed answer, is NEVER "tell them that it's human nature....")

Human nature, as defined by dictionary.com is "The general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind."  According to Dr Revel Miller, Ph.D. (Psychologist), there are 7 aspects of human nature on a Life Wheel--

1. Self

           2. Behavioral

   3. Social

      4. Physical

         5. Emotional

   6. Mental

      7. Spiritual

The Bible spends much time defining human nature.  From Genesis to Revelation, we see human nature played out in many situations.  The apostle Paul also authored a book to the Romans, and in 8:5-17, he--carried along by the Holy Spirit--defines human nature so well. 

"For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit.  Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.  The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God's law.  Indeed, it is unable to do so.  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God....So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die.  But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  For all those led by God's Spirit are God's sons.  For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear...."

  1. Mind set on self

2. Hostile to God

                      3. No submission to God's law

                               4. Mind set on the deeds of the body

   5. Mind set on fear

       6. Mindset on slavery

     7. Mind set on death

We will spend the next little while (not sure on outline yet...) reading the 7 main questions Paul asks the Galatians.  He will make them THINK about their choices.  He will make them test the very air they BREATHE to see if it's of the flesh or of the Spirit.  He will set a check engine light for their HEART.  And he will question their ACTIONS.  And he will not take "It's human nature" for an answer.  

Lord, lead us through Your Word.  May You find us faithful.