Free in Christ from the bondage of sin and the strict requirements of the Law, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard—not as a matter of following rules and regulations, but voluntarily, out of our love for Christ.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass

Paul is plainly presenting them with the Gospel message: they must either believe or be judged.

Paul strives to connect with his audience, always demonstrating the continuity of God’s story and that Jesus is the One the prophets promised.

This seems completely natural to me. New believers, no matter how well instructed or how diligently they read the Bible and pray, often have questions and need spiritual mentorship to reassure them and nurture their spiritual growth.

The Law was given to make man conscious of his sin—and “loudly proclaims his need for the gospel.”

As in Galatians, Paul underscores that their good works flow from their faith, not from their efforts (cf. Gal 2:16), and from their love, which is tied to their faith—for faith works through love (Gal. 5:6).

Bible teachers are held to a higher standard, as their knowledge makes them responsible both for what they teach and how they live (cf. James 3:1).

People do nothing to deserve their own salvation, so believers may only boast in the Lord, not in their own achievements.