Galatians 5 Step 3 Mine (Part 3)

Galatians 5 Step 3 Mine (Part 3)

by | Dec 30, 2025 | DISO studies, Galatians 5

NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.

Welcome back!

Last Week’s Work

COMPARISONS

This time, my study focused on two main contrasts:

Freedom of faith in Christ with the Spirit vs. slavery to the law (vv1-6; 13-18):
I discovered that belief in Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for all sin means we don’t have to depend on obedience to the law (for example, circumcision requirements) to be considered sin-free and acceptable to God. Our faith alone is enough. That faith also brings our Helper, the Holy Spirit, into the picture to enable us to understand God’s Word and do His will. Under the law, though, God requires higher behavior standards than any human can reach. Nothing we do will be enough to save ourselves from sin and death.

Listed works of the flesh vs. listed fruit of the Spirit (vv19-23):
Works are the result of human effort. Since the fall of mankind, though, works can never be good enough to please God. And fruit is part of the natural reproduction process, ultimately successful only when God chooses, irrespective of human effort. As I looked at the two lists, it occurred to me so many of the works seem to be corruptions of the fruit. Isn’t that fitting of human attempts to appropriate God’s sovereignty? Where positive, beautiful things make up the fruit of the Spirit, the works of the flesh describe warped, destructive versions of the same.

CAUSES/MOTIVATIONS

How did the Spirit work with you as you examined causes in this text? I felt Him emphasizing the connections in verse 1 (which were a little challenging in the ESV, huh?) and verses 4-6. Here’s how I worked through them:

Verse 1

Action:  Christ has set us free
Connector: for (because)
Reason: freedom

Christ set you free for freedom’s sake. This relates to Paul’s argument in Galatians 4:21-31 that the Galatians inherited freedom through Abraham and Sarah.

Reason: Christ has set us free
Connector: therefore (because Christ has set us free)
Action: stand firm and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery

Remember, with therefore, the reason comes first. Paul says they should stand firm and not submit to slavery [to the law] because Christ had set them free. Paul wanted them to fully benefit from the freedom that faith in Jesus brings.

Verses 4-6

Action:  You who would be justified by the law are severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (v4)
Connector: for (because)
Reason: through the Spirit, by faith, we… eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness (v5).

Those who embrace the law have fallen away from grace because mankind can’t obey the law well enough to obtain the necessary righteousness. It only comes through the Spirit and by faith in Christ.

Action: through the Spirit, by faith, we … wait for the hope of righteousness (v5)
Connector: for (because)
Reason: in Jesus, [the law (i.e., circumcision) doesn’t count]; only faith working through love counts for anything (v6). We wait for righteousness by faith through the Spirit because faith working through love is the only thing that gets us there.

CONDITIONS/METHODS

In this exercise, the Spirit drew my attention to repetition I didn’t even notice before:

  • Through love in verse 6 (how the Spirit and our faith work to bring about the hope of righteousness) and verse 13 (how Paul wanted the Galatians to serve each other). In other words, the Spirit, Christian love, and faith work together for our righteousness, so we don’t need to earn it by keeping every jot and tittle of the law.
  • With that in mind, Paul advises them to walk by the Spirit and avoid the works of the flesh (v16). He also says being led by the Spirit frees them from the law (v18); and if we live by the Spirit, we should keep in step with the Spirit.

Dig-In Challenges

This week, I’ll start refining my understanding of this passage:

  1. PRAY. Of course!
  2. REFINE my understanding of this text by skimming Galatians to determine which of the following types of writing appears most often there: instruction, law, letter, narrative, poetry, or prophecy. Then I’ll reread chapter 5 to see what (if any) other types are in use. I’ll note the types I find and from that determine whether the text should be interpreted literally.
  3. REFINE: Next, I’ll research the book’s historical context by referencing an introduction to the book of Galatians. Many bound Bibles have an intro section immediately before Galatians 1, but I’m going to use the ESV online intro to Galatians. This reference, written by Bible publishers, provides historical details like who wrote the book, to whom, and when. It often also contains a summary of the book’s content. If you’re working along with me, note any relevant or interesting facts you uncover in your review of these materials. Based on what you discover about writing type and in the introduction, should Galatians 5 be interpreted literally?
  4. REFINE: Last, I’ll be looking up the meaning of a few words and phrases from my focus verse using an interlinear Bible tool. I like Biblehub.com’s Greek tool for this research. To use it, follow the link above. You can scroll to the verse(s) you want to examine by clicking the blue arrow to the right of the verse citation (“Galatians 5:9”) for higher-numbered verses or the arrow to the left to view verses 1 through 8. Once you locate the verse, click the number in the Strong’s column that corresponds to the English word or phrase you’re researching. Note anything the Spirit highlights for you in the information provided.

I encourage you to use these tools and dig as much as you can this week. I pray the Spirit will bless your efforts, my friend!

GO TO WEEK 6 >

Psalm 23 Step 3 Mine (Part 2)

Psalm 23 Step 3 Mine (Part 2)

by | Feb 17, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23

 NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.

Hello again. Here’s how the Spirit spoke to me through Psalm 23 this week:

Last Week’s Work

REPETITION

I found just one repeated concept: lead (vv2,3) / follow (v6); but the thing the Holy Spirit really impressed upon me here was presence. I don’t know a lot about shepherding a flock, but I get the impression that sheep should never be left unguarded: they have few natural defenses. Without guidance and protection, they can wander off a cliff or into water and be drowned by the weight of wet wool, etc., to say nothing of being unable to outrun a pack of predators. In certain circumstances, just the presence of the Shepherd could mean the difference between life and death for the herd. Knowing I’ll be looking at comparisons next week, this repetition tied to the Shepherd metaphor gives me some definite food for thought…

SPECIAL STATEMENTS:

In the meantime, though, how did you sort David’s statements in Psalm 23? I was torn between calling them blessings or promises. After considering the difference might be timeframes, though, I categorized the ten current positive statements as Blessings:

  • The LORD is my shepherd (v1),
  • He makes me lie in green pastures (v2),
  • He leads me beside still waters (v2),
  • He restores my soul (v3),
  • He leads me in paths of righteousness (v3),
  • You [LORD/Shepherd] are with me (v4),
  • Your rod and staff comfort me (v4),
  • You prepare my table in front of my enemies (v5),
  • You anoint my head with oil (v5),
  • My cup overflows (v5).

And the four future positive statements are Promises:

  • I shall not want (v1)
  • I will fear no evil—even when I walk through the valley of death’s shadow (v4)
  • Goodness and mercy shall follow me all my life (v6)
  • I shall dwell in the LORD’s house forever (v6).

Of course, these are statements David made about his own relationship with the LORD. Do they apply to me as they did to him? I hope so! I’m looking forward to getting more certainty around that in the Refine phase we’ll work through in a few weeks.

LISTS

Did you notice the groupings above also qualify as lists? I didn’t until I started writing this post! I am so amazed at the insight about the Sheperd’s presence and His role of defending the flock this week. Indeed, I am living proof He does exactly this!

Dig-In Challenges

This week, let’s wrap up Step 3 by:

  1. PRAYING: Use the prayer we wrote for Step 1.
  2. MINING: Read through the passage again looking for comparisons in or related to your focus verses. These may be statements of similarity featuring key words such as like, as,or so; qualitative comparisons indicating how one item is more or less than another; and/or contrasts that highlight or discuss how one concept differs from another.
  3. MINING: Next, look for causes or motives by focusing on key words or phrases I call cause connectors. In this study text, look for the connector for (where it means the same as because). Then check the text surrounding the connector for an action and the reason or explanation for that action. For example, in the sentence,
    I went to the store, for I was out of milk,
    the action = I went to the store     for [because]    the reason = I was out of milk.
    NOTE: The word for doesn’t always connect an action and a reason. To determine if it does here, read the sentence(s) containing it while substituting the word because where you find the word for. If the sentence(s) created from this exercise make(s) sense and mean(s) the same as the original, note two things: (1) the action statement (typically before the for) and (2) the reason (after the for).
  4. MINING: Finally, see if you can find any conditions that trigger action in this narrative and/or descriptions of how action happens or should happen.
    – For example, does the text say if or when a certain condition exists, some action takes place?
    And/or
    – Does the author describe a method or process (for example, specific steps) taken to achieve something?
    Or
    – Does he indicate how action is accomplished more generally by or through attributes or actions, e.g., saved by grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8)? And,
    – Does the text include any adverbs (typically words ending in ly) that describe how action happens?

These exercises are more involved, I know, but I’m confident you can do this with the Holy Spirit! Don’t forget to check your How to Dig Into Scripture Ourselves guide, and you can always reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions.

GO TO WEEK 5 >

Galatians 5 Step 3 Mine (Part 3)

Galatians 5 Step 3 Mine (Part 2)

by | Dec 23, 2025 | DISO studies, Galatians 5

 NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.

Hello again. Here’s what the Spirit helped me find this week:

Last Week’s Work

REPETITION

I noticed six emphasized terms in my review for repetition:

  • free/freedom in v1 (twice) and v13 (twice).
  • love in vv6, 13-14, 22.
  • circumcision/uncircumcision in vv2-3, 6, 11.
  • the law in vv3, 4, 14, 18, 23.
  • desires in vv13, 16-17, 24.
  • the flesh in vv17, 19, 24.

Paul tells the Galatians they were called to freedom, and it’s the reason Christ set them free. He cautions them not to abuse freedom by prioritizing obedience to law (which I suspect circumcision represents) over love. Nor should they succumb to the desires of the flesh. He points out love of neighbor fulfills all law and emphasizes love as the first listed fruit of the Spirit.

SPECIAL STATEMENTS:

I noticed several of these:

Six commands:

  • stand firm (v2)
  • do not submit … to a yoke of slavery (v2)
  • do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh (v13)
  • through love serve one another (v13)
  • you shall love your neighbor as yourself (v14)
  • walk by the Spirit (v16)

Three promises:

  • the hope of righteousness (v5).
  • in Christ Jesus … only faith working through love counts (v6).
  • if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (v18).

Three curses:

  • those who seek justification by the law are severed from Christ and have fallen away from grace (v4).
  • the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty (v10).
  • those who do [works of the flesh] will not inherit the kingdom of God (v21).

Six warnings:

  • if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you (v2).
  • every man who accepts circumcision … is obligated to keep the whole law (v3).
  • this persuasion isn’t from him who calls you (v8).
  • a little leaven leavens the whole lump (v9) (though I don’t yet know what he means by this).
  • if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another (v15).
  • those who do [works of the flesh] will not inherit the kingdom of God (v21).

Two requests:

  • let’s keep in step with the Spirit (v25).
  • let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another (v26).

LISTS

The fifteen listed works of the flesh (vv19-21) are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, plus a catchall phrase, things like these.

Then he listed nine fruit(s?) of the Spirit (vv22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Next week in my comparison notes, I’ll comment more about the contrasts I see between these lists.

Dig-In Challenges

This week, let’s wrap up Step 3 by:

  1. PRAYING: Use the prayer we wrote for Step 1.
  2. MINING: Read through the passage again looking for comparisons in or related to your focus verses. These may be statements of similarity featuring key words such as like, as, or so; qualitative comparisons indicating how one item is more or less than another; and/or contrasts that highlight or discuss how one concept differs from another.
  3. MINING: Next, look for causes or motives by focusing on key words or phrases I call cause connectors. In this study text, look for four connectors: therefore, for (where it means the same as because), that (where it means so that), and to (where it means in order to). Then check the text surrounding the connector for an action and the reason or explanation for that action. For example: in the sentence, I went to the store, for I was out of milk:
    the action = I went to the store for [because] the reason = I was out of milk.
    NOTE A: the words for, to, and that don’t always connect an action and a reason. To determine if they do here, read the sentences containing each, substituting the original word with the synonymous word or phrase below:
    For: substitute because
    To: substitute in order to
    That: substitute so that
    If the sentence(s) created from this exercise make(s) sense and mean(s) the same as the original, note (1) the action statement (typically before the for, to, or that); and (2) the reason (after the for, to, or that).
    NOTE B: In Galatians 5:1, the action-connector-reason order above may not apply depending on your translation. If you’re using my (ESV) Scripture study sheet, you’ll find both the actions and reasons before the for and therefore in that verse. It might be easier for you to use a different translation (for example, the New American Standard Bible) to search in verse 1.
  4. MINING: Finally, see if you can find any conditions that trigger action in this narrative and/or descriptions of how action happens or should happen.
    – For example, does the text say if or when a certain condition exists, some action should or does take place?
    And/or
    – Does the author describe a particular method by which something happens? In other words, does he describe specific action(s) that achieve(s) something (e.g., in Romans 12:1, how does the author recommend the Romans accomplish spiritual worship)?
    Or
    – Does he indicate how action is accomplished more generally by or through attributes or actions, e.g., saved by grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8)?
    Finally,
    – Does the text include any adverbs (typically words ending in ly) that describe how action happens?

These exercises are more involved, I know, but I’m confident you can do this with the Holy Spirit! Don’t forget to check your How to Dig Into Scripture Ourselves guide, and you can always reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions.

GO TO WEEK 5 >

Psalm 23 Step 3 Mine (Part 2)

Psalm 23 Step 3 Mine (Part 1)

by | Feb 10, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23

NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.

Hello! Thanks for joining me here. This past weekend I had the opportunity to share some of my discoveries from this study at a women’s conference in central Florida. It was awesome to see so many women interested in personally exploring God’s Word!

In my study, I felt the Spirit leading me to focus on verse 3; my questions about how the Lord as Shepherd restores a soul and whether it’s related to being on righteous paths. Here’s what I uncovered this past week:

Last Week’s Work

WHO (CHARACTERS)

I discovered two main characters:

  1. David, the first character mentioned. The Psalm is “of” him, which I think means he wrote it (v1). In v2, he describes following the second character,
  2. The LORD, into green pastures and past still waters. In my focus verse, David says the LORD restores his soul and leads him in righteousness for the sake of the LORD’s name (v3). David further explains even when he feels like he’s in a valley of death’s shadows, he’s not afraid of evil there, because he knows the LORD/Shepherd is with him, and the LORD’s rod and staff make him feel safe (v4). David also says the LORD anoints him and sets him up with provisions—so much so, his cup runs over! And in front of David’s enemies, no less. Finally, David believes goodness and mercy will be with him all the days of his life, and he’ll live in the LORD’s house forever (v6).

Did you notice in the ESV, LORD is all caps? Since this is the first study in my God Who? series, I can’t wait to research this name and all the other biblical names of God we’ll encounter in this series!

WHERE (LOCATIONS)

In this short Psalm, I noticed at least one location in all verses but the first:

  • Green pastures and still waters (v2). This makes me think of what a sheep would like: lying down with plenty of food and water around. It also reminds me of a scene from my childhood in southwest Kansas: a lake and the pastureland surrounding it. I remember going there as a child and feeling so calm: I was with my family, sitting by the water, so contented to just be there with people I knew and trusted.
  • Paths of righteousness (v3). This was part of the HUH? question I’m pursuing: I don’t feel confident I know what David means by this.
  • Valley of death’s shadow (v4). This is also an unfamiliar term to me, though I certainly can imagine plenty of places that would evoke my fear, as did this place for David.
  • Presence of David’s enemies (v5). I can’t imagine anyone feeling comfortable in an environment where he has no friends. I also can’t imagine feeling safe enough to enjoy a meal there!
  • The house of the LORD (v6). The closest I think I’ve come to what David mentions here would be the peace I’ve experienced in quiet, meditative environments like old places of worship where generations of Christians have prayed and otherwise sought the presence of God on earth.

WHEN (TIME FRAMES)

I found just two timeframes: all the days of my life and forever. Both occur in v6, when David talks about goodness and mercy following him (all his life) and when he anticipates living in the LORD’s house (forever). These must refer to different things, so I think he’s talking about experiencing goodness and mercy during his earthly life, then living in God’s house in the life beyond.

Dig-In Challenges

Here’s my plan for this week:

  1. PRAY the prayer I wrote last week before I study. Then I’ll…
  2. MINE: Look for repeated words or phrases in this passage and check for synonyms or pronouns that refer to the same concepts.
  3. MINE: Locate any special statements (blessings, commands, curses, prayers, promises, requests, and/or warnings) in the passage.
  4. MINE: Note any lists (3 or more similar items) mentioned in Psalm 23.
  5. Record what the Spirit prompts so I can use it in Steps 4 and 5.

Remember, you can download this printable summary of the DISO process for more specific instructions. I’ll share what I discover with you next week, so I hope you’ll join me then.

GO TO WEEK 4 >

Galatians 5 Step 3 Mine (Part 3)

Galatians 5 Step 3 Mine (Part 1)

by | Dec 16, 2025 | DISO studies, Galatians 5

NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.

Welcome back! Where in Galatians 5 have you sensed the Spirit leading you to explore? Last week I mentioned why I felt His clear direction to dig deeper into verse 9, so this time, I was only going to discuss the setting of the passage (characters, locations, and timeframes). Except in my studies, I didn’t find any locations or timeframes in the text! That doesn’t mean the Spirit won’t show you something he didn’t reveal to me, though, so if you did find a location or timeframe, I’d love for you to share that at [email protected] or my contact page.

Last Week’s Work

WHO (CHARACTERS)

Here’s what I discovered about the main characters in this passage:

  • Christ Jesus (him, the Lord): set us free (v1); accepting circumcision makes Christ of no advantage to you (v2), and it means you are severed from him (v4); in him, only faith working through love counts, circumcision doesn’t (v6); Paul has confidence in the Lord you will take no other view than the truth (v8); those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh (v24).
  • Us (we ourselves, one another) [the writer and recipients of this letter]: have been set free by Christ (v1); eagerly await the hope of righteousness (v5); if we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (v25); let’s not become conceited, provoking or envying one another (v26).
  • Paul  [the writer]: he says if you accept circumcision, Christ is no advantage to you (v2), he testifies if you accept circumcision, you’re obligated to keep the whole law (v3); he has confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view (v10); If he still preaches circumcision, why is he still persecuted (v11); he wishes those who unsettle you would harm themselves (v12), he says walk in the Spirit and you won’t gratify the desires of the flesh (v16); he repeats a warning to you that those who do the works of the flesh will not inherit God’s kingdom (v21).
  • You (brothers, your, yourself) [recipients of the letter]: in addition to statements about you recorded in other bullets here, I noted: you were running well (v7); Paul was confident the one who troubled you would bear the penalty (v10); you were called to freedom, but don’t use it as an opportunity for the flesh (v13); the whole law is fulfilled by loving your neighbor as yourself (v14); if you bite and devour one another, watch out you’re not consumed by each other (v15); the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit are opposed to each other to keep you from doing what you want to do (v17); if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (v18).
  • The Spirit: in addition to statements about the Spirit recorded in the above bullets, I noticed: we wait for the hope of righteousness through the Spirit and by faith (v5); the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (v22).

Dig-In Challenges

Here’s my plan for this week:

  1. PRAY the prayer I wrote last week before I study. Then I’ll…
  2. MINE: Look for repeated words or phrases in this passage and check for synonyms or pronouns that refer to the same concepts.
  3. MINE: Locate any special statements (blessings, commands, curses, prayers, promises, requests, and/or warnings) in the passage.
  4. MINE: Note any lists (3 or more similar items) mentioned in Galatians 5.
  5. As always, record what the Spirit prompts so we can use it in Steps 4 and 5.

Remember, you can download this printable summary of the DISO process for more specific instructions.

I’ll share what I discover with you next week, so I hope you’ll join me then.

GO TO WEEK 4 >

Psalm 23 Step 3 Mine (Part 2)

Psalm 23 Step 1 Pray & Step 2 Survey

by | Feb 3, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23

NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.

Welcome! This week, I’m preparing to share the DISO study process at a women’s conference in central Florida. Please join me in prayer for the conference and specifically for the speakers and attendees: that it may be a time of celebration, restoration, and growth for us. Now, here’s my prayer and what the Spirit revealed to me in Psalm 23 this past week.

Last Week’s Work

MY PRAYER
Thank You, Father, for Psalm 23 and the impact it’s already had on my life. I’m excited for the chance to really dig deep here and get to know You, my Shepherd, better, too. Open my eyes, ears, and heart—help me see, hear, and understand Your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, so I can align with what this passage teaches. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen!

HUH? and WOW! MOMENTS
This time, I noticed these reactions to the text:

  • HUH? Which word for God does David use for LORD (vv1, 6)?
  • WOW! I just noticed this “poem” begins and ends with the LORD (vv1, 6)!
  • HUH? How does Lord as Shepherd restore a soul? Is it related to being on righteous paths (plural)?
  • HUH? What does David mean when he says, “anoint my head with oil” (v5)?
  • HUH? and WOW! Interesting procession: the Shepherd leads David (vv2-3) and David leads “goodness and mercy (v6).”

Dig-In Challenges

If you’re studying along with me, listen to the Spirit’s guidance this week and choose your own topic (your personal treasure) from Psalm 23 to dig more deeply into. It can be anything you noticed in your survey of the text that raises a question or resonates with you, or you can use one of my responses above if you like. We’ll start out digging into the whole chapter and later focus on just the verse(s) that pertain to our individual treasures.

  1. PRAY for the Spirit to direct your focus for the remainder of this study. In your journal, record the personal treasure He identifies, along with any verse(s) relating to it from the study text.
  2. MINE: Read Psalm 23, focusing on three factors setting the stage in this text: note anything the Spirit emphasizes about the characters involved, any locations mentioned, and any timeframes discussed.

I’m looking forward to sharing my discoveries with you next week!

GO TO WEEK 3 >