Read: Galatians 6
Galatians 6 contains further instruction
about how the Christian life is to look. First, Paul addresses how we relate to
other believers. Our sinful nature is tempted to become prideful when we catch
people in sin. Instead, we are to humbly help our brothers and sisters regain
their footing in their walk with Christ (v 1-3). The Church is Christ’s body.
We are the practical means He uses to do ministry in our world. We must serve
one another in love (v 3).
Paul also discusses the principle of
sowing and reaping. We must all live with the results of our actions. No farmer
would plant corn and expect to grow a harvest of wheat. That would be
ludicrous. In the same way, if we invest our resources (time, energy, money,
etc.) in sinful pursuits, we cannot expect to gather a harvest of
righteousness. Along with a warning about investing in the flesh, this
illustration carries a promise. If we sow into the Spirit, we will gather a harvest of the Spirit. The
time we spend in prayer will produce fruit. The choices we make to deny sin and
follow righteousness, even when it is difficult or costly, will result in
Christlike character. The sacrifices we make on behalf of others will result in
reward in heaven. How wonderful it is that our struggles and sacrifices today
will produce a massive harvest in eternity!
Journaling
and Prayer
1. Reflect on your life. Do you typically sow
into the Spirit or into the flesh? Ask God to show you how your view of
eternity affects where you sow.
2. Look back over your thoughts about the Law
of Moses from Day 1 of this devotional. Has anything changed as a result of
studying Galatians? If you still have questions regarding Mosaic Law, Southland
has many wonderful resources including a message series (“The Law and the Old
Testament”) and a doctrinal paper (“The Law is still applicable, good and
indispensable”), which are available for free on our website.
3. Paul
closes his letter to the Galatians by praying that Jesus would give them grace
(v 18). The Holy Spirit had used this letter to call the Galatian church to
higher standards. They would fail if they strived for these standards by human
effort alone. Ask God to highlight some people in your life who earnestly
desire to grow in their walks with Him. Pray for His grace to empower them.
Also pray for a filling of grace in your life!
