Galatians 6
January Memory Verse: Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Mark 8:34 (NIV)
Read: Galatians 6
As Paul closes this book, in which he is bringing them, and us, back to the simple truth of the gospel (see Galatians 1:4-20 & 6:11-18), he shows us the practical outworkings of the gospel, of walking in the Spirit. He is striking through the idea that one can live in the truth and power of the gospel and live unchanged.
LIVING IN THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL INTERNALLY ALWAYS AFFECTS OUR ACTIONS EXTERNALLY.
1) It will affect how we engage with others (v.1-6)
At the root of the gospel is a level playing field. We know that before Jesus we all stand equal… we all stand the same… we all stand as sinners and that is only through and by the grace of God that we have any hope. When we realize this and live in this it will change how we engage with and care for others.
• We will help those who are caught in sin instead of stand over them in self-righteousness (v.1).
• We will be gentle in how we engage with others (v.1).
• We will bear others burdens with them instead of standing on the sidelines and watching (v.2).
• We will approach others with humility (v.3-5).
• We will share the good news of Jesus with others (v.6).
I have to be honest… When I look at this list I immediately feel conviction. I don’t feel like I do any of those well sometimes. It is convicting because when I am struggling to do those things well, I am struggling to see people (and myself) through the lens of the gospel.
2) It will affect how we engage with God (v.7-10)
Here we see one of the scariest verses in all the Bible… “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that he will also reap.” Man, when I read this verse I am thankful for God’s unending grace. Because of the gospel, He has not given me what I truly deserve - separation from Him - but has provided a way out in Jesus.
One thing Paul seems to be saying to us is that when we realize all that the gospel and the grace of God has done in our lives it will affect how we “sow” (v.8-10). He is reminding us that if we sow to the flesh we will reap death. If we sow to God we will reap life.
The truth of the simple gospel challenges and encourages us to “sow to the Spirit” (v.8) and to live for God internally and externally.
Obviously there are an infinite number of ways that the gospel outworks itself in life. What is the biggest way that you see the gospel affect how you live? Comment below!
By: Nick Parsons
Read: Galatians 6
As Paul closes this book, in which he is bringing them, and us, back to the simple truth of the gospel (see Galatians 1:4-20 & 6:11-18), he shows us the practical outworkings of the gospel, of walking in the Spirit. He is striking through the idea that one can live in the truth and power of the gospel and live unchanged.
LIVING IN THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL INTERNALLY ALWAYS AFFECTS OUR ACTIONS EXTERNALLY.
1) It will affect how we engage with others (v.1-6)
At the root of the gospel is a level playing field. We know that before Jesus we all stand equal… we all stand the same… we all stand as sinners and that is only through and by the grace of God that we have any hope. When we realize this and live in this it will change how we engage with and care for others.
• We will help those who are caught in sin instead of stand over them in self-righteousness (v.1).
• We will be gentle in how we engage with others (v.1).
• We will bear others burdens with them instead of standing on the sidelines and watching (v.2).
• We will approach others with humility (v.3-5).
• We will share the good news of Jesus with others (v.6).
I have to be honest… When I look at this list I immediately feel conviction. I don’t feel like I do any of those well sometimes. It is convicting because when I am struggling to do those things well, I am struggling to see people (and myself) through the lens of the gospel.
2) It will affect how we engage with God (v.7-10)
Here we see one of the scariest verses in all the Bible… “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that he will also reap.” Man, when I read this verse I am thankful for God’s unending grace. Because of the gospel, He has not given me what I truly deserve - separation from Him - but has provided a way out in Jesus.
One thing Paul seems to be saying to us is that when we realize all that the gospel and the grace of God has done in our lives it will affect how we “sow” (v.8-10). He is reminding us that if we sow to the flesh we will reap death. If we sow to God we will reap life.
The truth of the simple gospel challenges and encourages us to “sow to the Spirit” (v.8) and to live for God internally and externally.
Obviously there are an infinite number of ways that the gospel outworks itself in life. What is the biggest way that you see the gospel affect how you live? Comment below!
By: Nick Parsons
11 Comments
Because Jesus already won, already conquered the World, dying for me and then living again so He can prepare the way for me, I am free. All the frustrations, all the grievances, all the times I fail, all the times I mess things up are temporary. I don't need to be right and I don't need to judge other people's mistakes either. That is a huge weight on my shoulders that I am free to give up and let Jesus bear it. Praise to God that when I feel the first negative feeling of anger, shame, worry and fear that is temporary and gone as soon as I Thank Him and let it go.
Good verse there to think on...
"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. " (Galatians 6:14, ESV)
"Let is not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up"
This verse just reminds me to keep on doing the little things each day that show the love of Christ. For while they may not be comfortable or convenient and even cause some trouble while here on earth, I have the hope of eternal life with Christ to look forward to
A big theme in my life lately has been Philippians 2:3. I struggle with self-focus badly and God has been using this verse to chip away at it. As I look at what He has done for me, I can look to those around me and see life from a different perspective. When I think of the self-sacrificial love God displays, I am reminded that I am called to the same and (obviously imperfectly) look at how I can be of help to others. A good example of this is teaching. I am currently student teaching. Truth be told, I am not overly passionate about it. However, I see and here some of the stories of the kids' lives, and I am encouraged to work hard to provide a safe and good learning place for them. I see that being a blessing and light to them far outweighs my preferences and desires.
When I read this chapter in Galatians, I think of the song "How Deep the Father's Love for us"! (Shane & Shane) God is so Gracious and so forgiving to the sinner I used to be. I still fall short of God's glory but it's so humbling and moving that God is still faithful even when I'm faithless up to this day! Thank you Jesus!
Whenever I would walk to my classes on campus at Murray State I would just whisper brief prayers to myself saying, "God, please humble me before you and humble myself before others. Help me love you and love others. Help me serve you and to serve others, etc." and I would say this a few times throughout my day because the flesh like you said Nick, is so selfish that it only wants to be self-righteous. But we are so blessed by God that we have the Holy Spirit in us that we can always ask to renew our minds and cleanse our hearts. We are lovingly embraced in the presence of Christ. He has provided us His ultimate assurance of our faith and we have His Word! Ephesians 6 says that we have his full armor, and I need Jesus every single day, hour, minute, & second because there is a real spiritual warfare trying to take us away from the presence of Christ! God is our only source of strength to fight these things and He is Sovereign over ALL of them! Thank you so much Jesus for living in us! Thank you so much Nick for such encouragement! Thank you CPC family! Going through the Book of Galatians has been a great Joy to me! Thank you.
LIVING IN THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL INTERNALLY ALWAYS AFFECTS OUR ACTIONS EXTERNALLY.- this is great Nick.
I love the concept of accountability in verse 1, and then the when it speaks of gentleness. How often are we tempted to become high and mighty when looking down on others' sin? Had God done that, none of us would be here now. However, God tells us to lift one another up and not tear down. Be gentle, but call out the sin. This is the best way to help others grow. Accountability has been huge in my life, and I am changed because of that! Great stuff, Nick!
Such an inspiring post today Nick! And I have also enjoyed and been encouraged by all the comments.
The Gospel changes EVERYTHING!
I like the first two verses! It reminds us to be gentle in how we lift others up. To restore them in kindness. And be careful that the same thing we help with may present a challenge to us. And v9, it reminds me to keep sowing to God and growing in Him and doing all for Him
I have enjoyed the study of the book of Galatians. Galatians 6 has so many powerful verses. But verse 15 sums up for me about the Gospel: You are a new creation in Christ!
Verses 4 and 5 hit me - "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct."
How often, particularly at work, do I get frustrated with someone else's work... and usually a few minutes later I notice something I have made a mistake on. We tend to be harsh toward others when we are in the same boat! Thank the Lord we have His grace and don't have to rely on our abilities.