Galatians (27)

Introduction: There are enormous benefits and blessings in teaching and being taught through books of the Bible. The most obvious is that this is God’s word and He brings life through His word, and any time we are submitting ourselves to the authority of His word the Holy Spirit either brings life or sustains life through this word. Another benefit is the joy of walking through Scripture in the manner that we received it. Each book was revealed by God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit through men. However, each book or letter was given as a part of the whole. Over time the whole Bible was collected together to form the cannon of Scripture, but each book within the greater book was originally received as a whole message from God. Therefore, by teaching and being taught entire books of the Bible we have the joy of receiving it in a similar way in which it was given. Then, a very practical blessing for simply teaching through a book of the Bible is that you cannot jump over passages that teach things that we may not usually like to focus on. Today's focus verse in Galatians 6:6 is an example of this. (Read)

Transition: In a general way we have probably often heard the criticism of the church that, “they are just after your money.” I suppose that may be true in some local churches, but I believe for the most part that presupposition is only an accusation from persons who have never really been a member of a local church.

For those of you who have been members of Hillcrest for awhile you know that it’s is not money, tithing, giving, and so on is not subjects that I usually focus much attention on. Perhaps to a fault, but as as Scripture focuses on these matters so much the teacher of Scripture.

For those of you who may be new to Hillcrest or even considering the cost of being a follower of Christ I would encourage you to lean in today, because I believe this verse will help to better understand the true generosity that is supposed to identify those who identify with Christ.

Read: Galatians 6:1-6

Big point:

The Spirit led church is a generous church that teaches and receives the word.

The gospel makes God’s people generous. As our heart is free, so too will be our hands.

Transition: Walk through this verse noticing some observations and reminders of what it means to be a church in rhythm with the Holy Spirit.

The one who is taught

a. Taught the word: Notice first, what it is that is being taught. Plainly, the word. Not ideas, new philosophies, faddish notions, or a new revelation. Rather, it is the word. Which in context of this letter we know is the gospel that was first preached to the churches throughout Galatia.

A. This focus on “what” is being taught is absolutely vitally important to understanding the evidences of a Spirit led church. This verse helps us to identify just what it is that brings vitality and sustaining power to the body of Christ. It is the ministry of the word. Turn with me to I Tim 4:13, and II Tim 3:15-17, and II Tim 4:2 The apostle Paul, who was moved by the Holy Spirit to record much of the New Testament understood that life is brought forth and sustained by the word of God. Hence, the necessity to care for the one called to task of teaching God’s word. see quote on page 131 “Christ Centered Exposition” “care for those who teach, not out of obligation or tradition, but because you love the Word of God and want to see it spread to the ends of the earth.”

Transition: Now Notice the imperative to …

b. Share: is the verbal active imperative Koinoneito. Perhaps you have heard Koinonea? This is word used to describe the fellowship of the body of Christ. This has to do with caring for others interests. Showing hospitality to one another. bearing one another’s burdens. Here, it is use to say that those receiving the teaching of God’s word should care for, share, be generously to extend...

c. All good things: This is describing the quantity and quality of what should be given. Why do you suppose this command is qualified like this? Because frankly, we could be tempted to interpret this in a whole assortment of subjective ways. How do we determine what is all good things? At this point the attention is focusing on sharing good with the teacher, however in just a few sentences the focus will be on doing good to everyone, especially those who are the household of faith. Jesus instructed us that the whole law and the prophets are summarized in this, “whatever you wish others would do to you, do also to them.” Again, the apostle Paul tells the church at Corinth in I Cor 9:11-14… later to pastor Timothy Paul say in I Timothy 5:17-18 ...

1 Timothy 5:17–18 ESV

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

1 Corinthians 9:11–14 ESV

If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

d. Now, you might be thinking what the one teaching you today thinks about all this. Frankly, I simply want to instruct you according to the word and give the Holy Spirit room to form your conscience on this matter.

e. Let me offer three practical ways in which this imperative can be obeyed within this local body.

1. Consider the gospel, consider the word that we are being taught, consider the impact of that word upon our lives, consider that eternal value of the transformation that the word has upon us, and open our hearts and hands to give generously so that whomever is responsible for the teaching ministry may do so with freedom and focus. My salary is public information that if you are not aware of, then I would encourage you to be aware of. Its not my concern whether you think I need a raise or even if you think I need a pay cut.

2. Each December we have a membership meeting where the annual budget is set and affirmed. If you are a member of this body and haven't viewed that meeting as something important for you to weigh in on, then I would encourage you to think more seriously about Galatians 6:6.

3. The normal means of sharing all good things is through regular tithes. The joy of giving financially to the ministry of this body of Christ is a part of our worship each time we gather together. When you give, part of that cheerful gift is utilized to pay the preacher. So, I do not need a handshake at the door with some cash in it, no rather, we can be good stewards and you can help me be above reproach and accountable by simply giving regular tithes through the ministry of this local body.

Transition: Now, finally, we are told to whom these good things should be shared.

The one who teaches

a. Teach the word: Keep in mind what the apostle says if someone or even and angel from heaven is teaching something other than the gospel that they first received.

b. in the same way that this imperative is a reminder for those who are taught the word, so too is it a correction and reminder for those who teach the word. Example...

I was encouraged again this week when I read I Timothy 5:17-18. The comparison to the elders who are especially devoted to preaching and teaching to an ox treading grain is actually quite hilarious. When you compare that description to the rock star status that is often presented as pastoral ministry today I think we see something very different. This Americanized notion that the pastor can slap on a pair of skinny jeans, speak a 20 minute motivational speech with a couple verses of Bible threaded in, run the church like a CEO, and as long as he attracts a lot of people must be doing something right is a very different picture than an ox that spends his entire life walking in circles to tread out grain. Grinding for the glory of God. A pastor must pray the word, teach the word, counsel the word, correct with the word, bury the dead with the word, marry the betrothed with the word, administrate with the word, direct with the word, think with the word, lead his family with the word. The ministry of the word is a grinding grace filled joy of identifying with the suffering Jesus so that the precious sheep that Jesus shed His blood for might hear the word of God and have Christ formed in them. Pastoral ministry is more like giving birth and raising children than it is getting a degree and fulfilling a passionate career path. And so.. those who teach.. ought to receive all good things from those who are taught.

c. The remainder of this passage is going to reveal why it is so important to be generous in all good things. Were going to see that greed is the opposite of gratitude and a very fleshly attitude. Were going to notice the temptation to grow weary in doing good, but receive the harvest for not giving up!

Conclusion: Again, here is the point.

The Spirit led church is a generous church that teaches and receives the word.