 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load. 6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Final Warning and Benediction 11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 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. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. Meditation When you try and break God’s natural laws you will end up breaking yourself. Jumping off the side of a building will result in smashing into the ground. Gravity will win. Likewise, Paul warns Christians to not be deceived, knowing we will reap what we sow. Seeds put into the soil of our soul will sprout. God desires Spirit fruitfulness to grow from the ground of His grace. The fruit of the Spirit will grow from hearts sowing seeds from the word of God. Scripture does not separate the Spirit of God and the Word of God. God’s Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 16:12-13) and all truth is breathed by the Spirit (1 Timothy 3:16). John Calvin is the “Theologian of the Spirit” because of his love for the Word of God. Calvin writes, “For by a kind of mutual bond the Lord has joined together the certainty of his word and of His Spirit.” (Institutes 1.9.3) What does it look like to sow to the Spirit, to harvest fruit of the Spirit? James 1:20 pleads with God’s people to, “Receive with meekness the implanted word.” James goes on to explain this means we are doers of the word, demonstrating our faith by the word forming our lives. As we conclude Galatians I want to highlight seeds of the word from this letter to plant in the soil of your soul. Cultivate these with care: Galatians 1:10 “…If I were still trying to please people we would not be servants of Jesus.” Galatians 2:10 “…They asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 3:13-14 “Christ redeemed us by becoming a curse for us… so that in Christ the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might received the promised Spirit by faith.” Galatians 3:28 “You are all one in Christ.” Galatians 4:4-6 “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His son… to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children of God. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” … you are no longer a slave, but a child of God.” Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom Christ has set you free.” Galatians 5:16 “Therefore walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… and those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 6:7 “God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Galatians 6:15 “Tor neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” Richly Dwelling -Which verses above resonate with your soul? -To sow to the flesh is to follow fleshy passions and desires. What seeds of the flesh do you need to not sow? -How can you more intentionally scatter seed of the word in your life? Meditating on the word? Memorization? Daily saturation? Teaching? Discipling? Testifying? Key Verse 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Enjoy Andrew Peterson’s The Sowers Song and be inspired: Comments are closed.
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