Run the Race... There is Victory at the Finish
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(NIV84)
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, 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 he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else,
5 for each one should carry his own load.
6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who 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.
These are Paul’ last instructions to the Churches in Galatia
Why do they, or why should these instructions have any bearing on us?
These instructions are a pattern for us to follow in dealing with others, especially our weaker brothers and sisters
“You who are spiritual should restore the offender…gently.”
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (, NIV84)
End of Verse 2 “Fulfill the Law of Christ”
Only time this direct phrase is used in scripture
What does it mean? - The though is that is involving the Gospel and how well it is being implemented.
Verse 3-5
“If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.” (, NIV84)
Spiritual believers are to gently restore fallen believers back to fellowship. Why??? Because where they are you have been or will be shortly!!
The Law of Receiving and Giving
This is another area where there might be some different conclusions. But it can boiled down to this, Those who are taught the word of God help their teachers by paying them.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 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. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
H. L. Willmington, The Outline Bible (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999), .
I have in my past, thrown caution to the wind and simply went for the apple pie, the big kazoo, the best of the offering and left the rest behind…I certainly deserved what I received.
Those who sow, ONLY sinful desires will reap everlasting death
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.
There seems to be some finality in these statements of Paul. He is in fact talking of the end-times, final judgement, The Great White Throne Judge and the eternal life that we, if you are a follower anticipate.
But…those who sow what is good will reap everlasting life
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Gal
I get it… doing everything correctly, all the time, making all of the right decisions at all times for all of the people that God is sending our way or your way… Will be exhausting!!!
At the same time that we do not work to be pleasing to God, you are already pleasing to him regardless of your work.
The rub here is a bit obvious… If you are working and striving and fighting your way to the church to work, to become noticed by God, you have already lost the race!!!
But ...
If because you are a child of God, and you understand that work in any form will NOT get you a place in line in heaven. AND you work out your salvation with the attitude of a servant of God you are sowing good seed.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Gal
Come on, really, we just talked about this and I called you out!!! Do good, whatever you can with your time, talents and treasure. AND you understand these gifts and these motivations come from God… Go For It.