Midweek Bible Studies during Lent

St Matthew with St Chad Church, Windmill Lane, Smethwick

Thursday, 10.45am on 14th March 2024

Today’s reading from the Bible, Galatians 5v13-14: You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” New International Version – UK

A comment for today: In this letter, Paul is explaining that Christ’s sacrifice gives believers freedom to follow the Spirit rather than stay tied to our sin and all the rules we think will save us. Paul says that God has called us to a life of freedom - but warns that we must not misuse this freedom as our excuse to sin. Instead, we are reminded to use our freedom to serve one another in love, for in so doing we fulfil God’s ancient and longstanding command. Leviticus 19v18: Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. New International Version – UKTaking time to ponder:Read and re-read the bible passage and then ask your self if you are trapped by rules that you think you have to keep? If you do feel trapped by rules, consider whether you could accept your freedom by replacing the rules with love and service to others?If you have identified something to help you to serve God in the world, other than keeping rules that entrap you, offer this to God and thank him for your freedom. If you do not feel trapped by rules, then give thanks to God for this freedom.

Closing prayer: Dear God, thank you for the freedom that you have given us through your son Jesus Christ. Help us to use this freedom to serve one another in love, rather than as an opportunity to indulge in our sinful ways. May we always remember that the entire law is summed up in a single command: To love our neighbour as we love ourself. Amen.”