The Law of Christ
Summer 2022 • Sermon • Submitted
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· 2 viewsPaul concludes his letter to the Galatians by helping us to understand how we live out what was discussed in chapter 5. If we are to walk in the Spirit, it means that we are called to live differently. Instead of the law of Moses, we are to live under the law of Christ. We explore what that means.
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1 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. 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.
Last week, we read that we as followers of Christ are to live by the simple call to love our neighbor as one’s self. Paul says that the law is fulfilled in doing this. He is quoting from Leviticus 19:18 that says, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” Our life is not to be one that seeks out the hurt and pain of others but a life that builds others up especially those who are in the community of faith.
When we get to chapter 6, Paul has outlined for us the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. On the heels of that discussion, he gives us the way we are to treat those who may fall into sin and the works of the flesh as believers. Through those relationships, we are to fulfill the law of Christ, which is directly related to loving our neighbor as ourselves. So the question becomes, “how do we love our neighbors?” This is something that has come up throughout the past two years. We have heard people say things like to love our neighbor means that we get a vaccination or wear a mask. Maybe we have heard someone make reference to loving our neighbor through some kind of racial justice initiative or by being an “ally.” No matter where you may be personally on these issues, Paul’s use of this term and his vantage point of what it means to love our neighbor is not the things that the world has tried to assign to it. Instead, we are dealing with something more profound and eternal.
Today, we are going to explore what the law of Christ is and what it really means to love our neighbor as ourselves.
1. Under the law of Christ, we bear one another’s burdens. (vs. 1-5)
1. Under the law of Christ, we bear one another’s burdens. (vs. 1-5)
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
2. Under the law of Christ, we do good to everyone. (vs. 6-10)
2. Under the law of Christ, we do good to everyone. (vs. 6-10)
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
3. Under the law of Christ, we boast in nothing but the cross. (vs. 11-16)
3. Under the law of Christ, we boast in nothing but the cross. (vs. 11-16)
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.