ESGAL06 Galatians 6

Galatians 6 NIV

1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. 11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! 12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to 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 and sisters. Amen.

1-5

Here we find the concluding remarks of Paul in this letter. There are several parts to this finishing chapter but we will look at the first two:

Part 1 are verses 1-5 about bearing and sharing burdens and the second part,

Part 2 are verses 6-10 are about what you sow you will reap so persevere in the good.

The other part is what has been covered in every chapter so far which, therefore, makes it the theme of this whole letter which is freedom that we have in Christ. This freedom is not something we got by doing something whether religious or good but by the grace of God but this freedom is freedom to live God’s way and not a freedom to live in sin. This is what we have heard ever week.

So here in this first paragraph it makes it clear that for those who get caught by sin the object is restoration not banishment. The key is restoration rather than condemnation. Legalism brings the adulteress in public to condemn but grace restores. Paul also says to exercise caution especially if we think we would never commit such a sin but, I am sorry to say, unfortunately we are all capable of gross sins. Pride can easily overcome us. Pride leads us down paths which inevitably leads to a fall. “I would never do that!” we say, but friends, that is not definitely so! The heart is deceitfully wicked - we are capable of many things but with humility we can win. In fact we need to encase this whole chapter with humility:

and before that it is a return to the theme of this letter: the freedom that we have in Christ.

This freedom is never about freedom to live in sin. So here in this first paragraph it makes it clear that for those who get caught by sin the object is restoration not banishment though banishment may be necessary if there is no repentance. But the key is restoration rather than condemnation. Legalism brings the adulteress in public to condemn but grace restores. Paul also says to exercise caution especially if we think we would never commit such a sin but unfortunately we are all capable of gross sins. Pride can easily overcome us. Pride leads us down paths which inevitably leads to a fall. “I would never do that!” we say, but friends, that is not definitely so! The heart is deceitfully wicked - we are capable of many things but with humility we can win. In fact we need to encase this whole chapter with humility:

Faithlife Study Bible Humility

The Bible calls that people offer an honest appraisal of themselves; or as Paul says, we ought “not to think more highly of yourself than what one ought to think” (Rom 12:3).

Pride, especially the spiritual kind, can prevent people from being used by God. When people begin to be used by God, it is very easy for them to think of themselves too highly. Yet the New Testament itself repeatedly emphasizes that God uses the the unified body of Christian believers at work in the world, as a group, not just as individuals (1 Cor 12).

The Biblical Example of Using God’s Gifts Appropriately

In Acts 3, Peter and John encountered a crucial crossroads in their ministries. Peter commanded a lame beggar, “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk” (Acts 3:6), and the man was instantly healed. At that point, all of the attention in the temple turned toward Peter and John. They could have used this attention for their personal advantage, but they didn’t; instead, Peter said, “Men and Israelites, why are you astonished at this? Or why are you staring at us, as if by our own power or godliness we have made him walk?” (Acts 3:12).

Peter and John gave God all of the glory. In doing, so Peter and John express integrity and humility, and offer an honest evaluation of themselves.

His Instruments

Christians are meant to be God’s instruments (1 Cor 13; compare Jer 18:4). We shouldn’t praise ourselves—the mere instrument—but the one who uses the instrument, God.

In 1 Corinthians 4:7, Paul puts it this way: “And what do you have that you did not receive? But if indeed you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”

SKIP HEITZIG

That’s why we need to carry one another’s burdens too. We are not meant to live this life alone. Now I am not talking about marriage here. I am talking about the Church.

There are always those in the Church, though, who think too much of themselves. They think they are it…the ‘A list’ Christian…God’s gift to the Church and humanity…they deserve all the ‘hellos’ and reverence and honour and leadership as they think they have got it altogether. They love it when others fall and are self-righteous all the way and often the most vocal in their criticism of others. These don’t deliberately behave this way but they are the deceived! Not that they are deceiving others, which they may do, but they deceive themselves.

(NKJV) — 19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

To be honest I wish I had this verse imprinted at the front of my brain and heart. How often I miss it and miss what others are saying to me. When we learn to hear we will start to hear more of what is going on between the lines too. It is not always what they are saying but it maybe the symptom of something else. For instance if someone feels hurt it often expresses itself in anger. But the point is about bearing one another’s burdens: ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ is an oft quoted proverb.

Another way we can carry one another’s burdens is to help them in their situations if that is possible. If their burden is financial then what do we hear in Scripture? Again James comes to the rescue:

(NKJV) — 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

Cosy Christianity doesn’t cost anything but true Christianity costs everything.

Jesus though comforts us all:

(NKJV) — 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

And (NKJV) — 22 Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Note that he does not say he will take the burden away but that He will carry us burden and all.

How else can we carry one another’s burdens? There are surely a number of ways that we can be helps to one another in practical ways and then we should always carry one another’s burdens to God in prayer: What a friend we have in Jesus all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry

everything to God in prayer.

This is an ancient story:

A Chinese woman lost her dear son and could not find comfort. She went to wise old man and asked him what to do: “go to a home that has no sorrow or grief, and bring back a mustard seed, and I will restore your son” Several days went by, and she returned and said, “I have been so selfish in my grief…sorrow is common to every home.”

We all have problems and cares, and they weigh down upon us like a burden on the back. It is easy to forget this when we are in the midst of our own troubles not realising that almost all of us have something going on.

Some here are under enormous stresses and strains and it is hard not to be completely stressed out, even suicidal, wanting to get off the train as it were of life. Here, together we are a fellowship who, if we can, should be sharing the load. Some will have had experiences similar to someone who is going through it now. We have to be both patient and kind understanding that everyone has burdens.

It’s also about being the community that God has called us to be: sometimes that means sharing things about our own lives especially when we are going through the mill. And as a community we should see to it that what is said stays with us…what is shared is not to be an occasion for gossip. We are to be a safe community. We are living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in such ways we can also counsel one another especially from a biblical perspective. Worldly counselling has its uses but it is limited. When we are submitted to God, praying and listening, His counsel will be wiser than anything we could get from a psychologist.

And how does it fulfil the law of Christ? Well, what is the law of Christ?

(NKJV) — 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

How did He love us? He took our burden upon Himself and took it to the cross. He laid down His life.

So, let us learn to carry one another’s burdens but the first way to do this is to listen.

(v.3) In verse 3 it talks of people who think too much of themselves. They think they are it…the A list Christian…God’s gift to the Church and humanity…they deserve all the ‘hellos’ and reverence and honour and leadership as they have got it altogether. They love it when others fall and are self-righteous all the way and often the most vocal in criticism of others. These are the deceived! Not that they are deceiving others which they may do but they deceive themselves.

In 2013 the King of Germany was jailed for 3 months. King of Germany? Is there still a monarch there? Well one man thinks he is the King and has about 3500 followers. He got jailed for, among other things, having a self-written driving license. He thinks he’s it but he is self-deceived.

If we think we are one of the greatest here at Mount Calvary then perhaps we should hear Jesus: Before I read it - whilst this addresses leaders it is also for all those who are leaders in all but name as well as wannabee leaders:

Matthew 23:1–12 NKJV

1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:12 NKJV

12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

If we think we are one of the greatest then perhaps we should hear Jesus:

Jesus put children at the centre of the discussion when the disciples were talking about greatness and who would be greatest of all among themselves. Actually, we are all here to serve each other and the body of Christ through Jesus. There is no room for pride for what we are is given to us by God and can just as easily be taken away. And God does not have to justify Himself to anyone as He proved to Job!

(NKJV) — 1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Notice how the leaders are adding to the burdens of the people but are not carrying the load themselves. But what does it say? He who is greatest is the servant. A servant did all the things that the great and mighty of this world would never do. They do all the menial tasks such as cleaning toilets. They do the bidding of others. I tell you now that servant-hearted people like Marion and Gail will gain a greater reward in Heaven than all the great and not-so-great Pastors. That’s not false modesty…such will go into Heaven before all the lauded people of Christ because they would have received their reward in the praises of others. Jesus put children at the centre of the discussion when the disciples were talking about greatness and who would be greatest of all among themselves. We are all here to serve each other and the body of Christ through Jesus. There is no room for pride for what we are is given to us by God can just as easily be taken away. And God does not have to justify Himself to anyone as He proves to Job!

We have nothing to prove to others for, Paul say, we should rejoice in our own works if we find that under examination it stands up to God-like scrutiny. We do not need the praise of others but we all need the praise of God. We know how praise from others makes us feel good and can motivate us but praise from God is on a totally different plane. David was praised by God when He saw that David’s heart was after Him. Would to God all our hearts are after Him too rather than after selfishness or after the things that this world offers. Praise from God must be absolutely awesome but His criticism must be withering. We each shall receive praise or not from God for what we do.

The passage I read earlier in I read earlier this week and why it is in today’s sermon. One of the verses that convicted me later on in the Chapter was:

(ESV) — 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.

What is greed except the desire for other things? What is self-indulgence except the over-eating, over-drinking, overdoing it for ourselves without the regard for others. I should feel guilty paying £12 at KFC when people are going hungry. What is the limit of our excess? Where does it cross a line where it is obscene?

Each of us are called to get on with what God has called us to do knowing that God is watching. Whatever we are working: whether as a labourer or PAT Tester or Grandparent or at Kid’s Club or as a retiree or whatever we are doing we are to do it with all our God-given ability whether someone else sees it or not. God is our Master. We are to be God-pleasers not man-pleasers.

If Jesus came into our midst as He did before the people to whom He spoke these words before the crowds and His disciples would He condemn me especially or anyone of us in the same way or have other hard words to say? I think that is where they Holy Spirit convicts us today speaking to us through His Word.

In verse five it says that we shall bear our own load. This follows on from what we have said that we each shall receive praise or not from God for what we do. We are called to get on with what God has called us to do knowing that God is watching. Whatever we are working: whether as a labourer or PAT Tester or Parent or Kid’s Club or retiree or whatever we are doing we are to do it with all our God-given ability whether someone else sees it or not. God is our Master. We are to be God-pleasers not man-pleasers.

Another load we have to carry alone and to which I have eluded already is when we stand before Jesus to be judged. This will not be an easy time as every thought, every word, every action and inaction, every motive will be vigorously tested. There will be no hiding from the truth here. The good thing for the Christian is that for which we ought to get a sentence of death and hell the price has been paid through the cross of Jesus…all that filthy dross will be burned up…what is left, if there is anything left of all the things we have done, are rewards. Unfortunately for those who have rejected Jesus and have not called upon Him to be saved they will have to carry their load for eternity.

We bear our own load in the fact that we will each stand stand before Jesus to be judged. This will not be an easy time for every thought, every word, every action and inaction, every motive will be vigorously tested. There will be no hiding from the truth here. The good thing for the Christian is that whilst we deserve to get the sentence of death and hell the price has been paid through the cross of Jesus…all that filthy dross will be burned up…what is left, if there is anything left of all the things we have done, are rewards.

Another load we have to carry alone and to which I have eluded already is when we stand before Jesus to be judged. This will not be an easy time as every thought, every word, every action and inaction and motives will be vigorously tested. There will be no hiding from the truth here. The good thing for the Christian is that for which we ought to get a sentence of death and hell the price has been paid through the cross of Jesus…all that filthy dross will be burned up…what is left, if there is anything left of all the things we have done are rewards. Unfortunately for those who have rejected Jesus and have not called upon Him to be saved they will have to carry their load for eternity.

Let’s look at the second part of this passage:

(ESV) — 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ”

Let us then walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh and give God all the glory.

Let him who is taught the word. The word…by this Paul means Scripture. It is the Word. Encapsulated by this is the Good News and all other things such as what Jesus and the apostles taught. It is the word. It has the first and last word on everything. It is the authority on faith and truth and whatever it speaks on.

We are on the closing track with Paul concluding his letter to the Galatians. What was it that he thought was important enough to end with?

v.6a Let him who is taught the word. The word…by this Paul means Scripture. It is the Word. Encapsulated by this is the Good News and all other things such as what Jesus taught, what it all means and so forth. It is the word. It has the first and last word on everything. It is the authority on faith and truth and whatever it speaks on.

v.6a Let him who is taught the word. The word…by this Paul means Scripture. It is the Word. Encapsulated by this is the Good News and all other things such as what Jesus taught, what it all means and so forth. It is the word. It has the first and last word on everything. It is the authority on faith and truth and whatever it speaks on.

In a survey of those had been seekers but who are now atheists people were asked for a response. These, now Atheists, had a reaction against Christianity because we do not have credible arguments concerning things like Creationism and Evolution, about sexuality, about the reliability of the Bible and so on. They raised these questions but they felt that they were being answered superficially. How many of us here would be able to answer these questions with any level of expertise? How well do we know the Scriptures?

What was surprising and challenging to me is that they were critical of us in that if we truly believe the things that Christians believe in, that is, Jesus is the only way, then we would be doing everything in our power to see them come into the Kingdom of God instead of letting them go to hell. They fully expect Christians to do all they can to convert them and they said that any who don’t are morally corrupt. They went on to praise those who do not run from the truthfulness and effect that Jesus had. They expected Christians to have tough but resolute answers with no vagueness. They praised those who truly believed the Gospel and the Bible who were not wishy-washy about it even if the atheists were not, in the end, convinced by the arguments. David Hume, the famous Atheist of his time, was present at one of Whitfield’s sermons. When he was asked why was he there since he was an atheist and didn’t believe the Gospel he said; “That is true but Whitfield believes it.” He had respect for a man who followed through on his beliefs.

The reaction against Christianity by these genuine seekers who are now atheists was that we do not have credible arguments concerning Creationism and Evolution, about sexuality, about the reliability of the Bible and so on. These were questions raised but they felt that they were answered superficially. How many of us here would be able to answer these questions with any level of expertise? How well do we know the Scriptures? These atheists also raised that the things that go on in a Sunday Services are shallow, harmless and irrelevant. There was a disconnect between the teachings of Jesus and everyday life. They were also critical that if we truly believe the things that Christians believe in, that is, Jesus is the only way, then we would be doing everything in our power to see them come into the Kingdom of God instead of letting them go to hell. They expect Christians to do all they can to convert them and they said any that don’t are morally corrupt. They went on to praise those who do not run from the truthfulness and effect that Jesus had. They expected Christians to have tough but resolute answers with no vagueness. They praised those who truly believed the Gospel and the Bible who were not wishy-washy about it.

David Hume was present at one of Whitfield’s sermons. When he was asked why was he there since he was an atheist and didn’t believe the Gospel he said. That is true but Whitfield believes it.

He had respect for a man who followed through on his beliefs.

All of us have questions but if we do not know the answers then we can do some research. The internet is a useful resource but please be careful about what you read for there are those whose main purpose in life is to destroy our faith. It is not without cause that Paul says that

Can we see ourselves in this description by atheists? What are going to do about it? We who have been taught ought to be able to teach.

(NKJV) — 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.

I can point you to reputable websites to help find answers to the kind of questions that have been raised such as evolution, sexuality and the Bible’s authenticity and reliability. Please don’t let questions go unanswered…come see me…speak to those who know God’s Word. Don’t let confusion reign in your minds. I want your journey to be easier. I don’t want you losing faith at uni simply because of unanswered questions.

v.6b The second part of verse six in …’share the things you have learned with those who teach you’ is how I have understood this till now but it is actually about sharing money, food, iPads, etc, what it calls our good things with those who have helped you in your journey, who have taught you and instructed you in the faith. This has a well-known foundation in the Scripture that those who labour in the Word should gain double-honour and is worthy of their wages. Paul often waived his right when teaching certain Churches but, as he said, he robbed others so that he could teach them. So he took a wage but used it not for those who gave it but for those who could not have afforded him or where taking money would have got in the way of the Gospel message. In fact Paul says he has the right to claim a living from those he has taught but he also has a right to not claim. Paul was no charlatan like many we see on TV these days. This also confirms that a minister is not actually an employee of the Church but is solely answerable to God. The money a minister receives is meant to free him to do the will of God for the sake of God’s Kingdom. The people of God are responsible for a minister’s material support. I am not saying this for my sake but for the sake of any minister who ministers to you.

The way we live our lives has consequences here and in the next life. I am not talking about non-Christians here; our lives will either back up what we say or not - either way God cannot be mocked - if we live ungodly then our light is diminished - but if we live according to the Spirit of God then we will shine all the more. But sometimes it will feel like a hard slog so perseverance is a necessary quality for the Christian. It seems that the devil is out to weary us, to make us give up, to give in, to cease doing the things which are good. We all get tired and weary but that is no excuse to stop doing the work God has given us in advance for us to do. Perhaps the measure of this is the passion that we had at the beginning is not what it is now. Passion often comes out of the novelty or newness of a situation but there is another place where it is found: waiting upon God. Be still and I know I am God.

We are either those who are satisfying the flesh or we are following the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian. Can we spot the difference? The flesh is what we are by nature but the Spirit is a gift from our Father. To walk in the Spirit “signifies our acceptance of the power of God which is not under our own control and which is now to shape our life instead of our own power.”

The fact is that we have to surrender to God in every way. If there is an area of our lives where we can work it out ourselves then it can also be guaranteed that God wants to target that so we rely on Him instead. The way this happens is through troubles and trials. Whatever in our lives takes the place of God and the power of His Spirit running our lives or the Church then we can expect God to shake those areas.

God is still God; the same yesterday and today and forever; it is He who says don’t lose heart, keep being courageous and bold; to trust Him. God is still on the throne; He is still Lord of all. We are to step out in faith, trusting Him. God says He will build His Church and despite how we see things today here in Manselton, in Wales, in the UK and in Europe God will do what He says.

Whilst God has given me responsibility for you to look out for your souls it is God we have to rely upon. What if I died or moved on? What will happen to you? I am not saying this is going to happen though it will one day but do things fall apart in our lives because a spiritual mentor or Pastor or whoever is no longer around. Does it cause us to go off the grid or to seek God all the more?

Perseverance is a necessary quality for the Christian. It seems that the devil is out to weary us, to make us give up, to give in, to cease doing the things which are good. We all get tired and weary but that is no excuse to stop doing the work God has given us in advance for us to do. Part of the weariness, of course, is from our very busy lives.

We rely so much upon what we have we have lost the art of trusting God for our plain living. In the process we no longer believe God can break through into other people’s lives; we no longer expect people to be saved when we share the Gospel; we no longer see people being healed. Our expectancy has gone out of the window but is God not still alive? We are here for such a time as this. Let’s not give up.

The passion that we had at the beginning is not what it is now…passion often comes out of the novelty or newness of a situation…but the only other place it is found is in waiting upon God. God is still God…the same today, yesterday and forever…it is He who says don’t lose heart, keep being courageous and bold…to trust Him. Day-to-day we change; even moment to moment if we rely upon our feelings…but God is still on the throne, He is still Lord of all. We are to step out in faith, trusting Him. God says He will build His Church and despite how we see things today here in Manselton, in Wales, in the UK and Europe…almost everywhere else the Church is growing. Why? Because they have put their trust in Him. We in the West rely so much upon what we have we have lost the art of trusting God for our plain living. In the process we no longer believe God can break through into other people’s lives, we no longer expect people to be saved when we share the Gospel, we no longer see people being healed and so on and so forth. Our expectancy has gone out of the window. Is God the same today as when Jesus was here 2000 years ago? Are we filled with His Holy Spirit?

We have to get back to relying on God and persevering in what God has given us to do. Persevering is a sign of faith. We are not talking about flogging a dead horse here. We are talking about doing good for out of it God can work His work through us. God will reward us for our tireless effort and perseverance.

(NKJV) — 8 when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

(NKJV) — 58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Our lack of faith prevents God from working in our lives and the lives of others. We have to get back to relying on God and persevering in what God has given us to do. Persevering is a sign of faith. We are not talking about flogging a dead horse here. We are talking about doing good for out of it God can work His work through us. God will reward us for our tireless effort and perseverance.

Are we weary today? Are we down and despondent? Do we want to give up? Weariness comes about because we either do not see the results or we lose sight of God. Today we are called upon to take heart, to persevere because God has not changed. God loved us last year as much as this year, God desires to use us even more than last year, God is still God. Let us remember;

We have an example:

Acts 10:38 NKJV

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

(NKJV) — 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

(NKJV) — 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

The anointing upon Jesus is now upon us so let me finish with these fine words from

This is our neighbourliness put into action. We are to put even more effort for those of the household of faith. Household implies family. Family comes first! We all have a responsibility to each other to put what we have heard into practice. We should be looking for ways to encourage one another. And we have to meet with each other for fellowship, for prayer, for Bible study and so forth.

Let me finish with these fine words from

Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Benediction

(NKJV) — 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

(NKJV) — 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

I’ll close with the last words of Galatians:

Galatians 6:18 CSB

Brothers and sisters, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.