Framing your life by the Spirit

Letter to the Galatians  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Framing your life by the Spirit fulfils the law of Christ.

Notes
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Introduction

Main idea of letter is justification by faith not works of the law
Recap of previous chapters
What Paul wrote in verses 1-10 hinges upon the final statement in chapter 5, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (vv 25-26). Those verses reflect back on the previous ones, starting at verse 13, where Paul says our freedom is not to be used as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Loving your neighbor fulfills the whole law. And we know, one cannot love their neighbor, if they do not love God, first. Finally, the acts of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit are identified, so one knows the outwards actions are evidence of one’s character.

I. Walking in the Spirit

Galatians 6:1–5 ESV
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. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.
Paul calls those who are spiritual, to restore anyone caught in transgression. This is a call for those who live by the Spirit to restore (bring back in line, as if resetting broken bones) those who are caught (detected) to transgressed (misstep). This is done in a spirit of gentleness which is a virtue found in the fruit of the Spirit. Paul then warns, “Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” as a reminder against conceit (an excessive pride in oneself) as if you will not transgress under temptation. Instead, bear one another’s burdens. This means lift up or carry one another’s weaknesses. Similar statements are given in Romans 15:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Doing so fulfills the law of Christ, which is to love one another (John 13:34; 1 John 4:21; Galatians 5:14). Again, Paul warns against pride or conceit. For each person should think of themselves as nothing, meaning they do not merit the favor of God based one’s outward works. If so, that person is deceived. Each person should test their own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not his neighbor. Reminding us of the context of audience and time, we understand from the previous chapters, the Judaizers led the Galatians to themselves so they can boast of their work in them. We will find final validation of this in verse 13. Therefore, each person must test their own work because each will have to bear his own load (meaning each will be held accountable for their works when judged) (Matt 12:36; 16:27; Romans 14:12; 1 Peter 4:5).
Galatians 6:6–10 ESV
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 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. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Paul then encourages those that are taught the word to share all good things to the one who taught them. He is alluding to sharing the results of good works through both preaching and providing for their needs. He warns, there is evidence of one’s work in their sowing, so do not be deceived. Also, God is not mocked when one sows because evidence will be produced. One who sows his own flesh will reap corruption and one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Do not grow weary, for in due season we will reap a harvest, under the condition we do not give up. Therefore, every opportunity let us do good to everyone, especially to those who are in the household of faith.

II. Benediction

Galatians 6:11–18 ESV
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 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. 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. 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. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
Verse 11 implies there were other letter written to the Galatians, by Paul, by hand. The scriptures do not hide the fact some of the Pauline letters were written by others as Paul dictated. Paul identifies the reason why the Judaizers forced the Galatians to be circumcised. It was to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Even the Judaizers, although circumcised, demonstrate hypocrisy by not keeping the law. However, desire to have the Galatian believers circumcised, so they can boast in their flesh. Where the Judaizers force circumcision to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ, Paul boast only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, which the world is crucified to him and he to the world. As stated in Galatians 5:6, circumcision or uncircumcision is of no value. But being a new creation of Christ does. And for those who walk (live) by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God (indicates the church/believers/spiritual Israel). In his final words, Paul stated, let no one cause him trouble, for he bears the marks of Jesus. Meaning, evidence of his life shows he is owned by Christ.

III. Conclusion

As I close this teaching on Galatians, I want to remind everyone this is not a matter of following or not following the law. Paul is addressing the issue of salvation. Is one justified by faith or works? How did you received the promise? Was it through works of the law or by believing? We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. And through faith we are children of the promise. Children of the promise are seal by the Holy Spirit who illuminates truth, testify of Jesus Christ, and gives us a new life in Christ. Our new life is evident by the fruit we bear. And according to this final chapter, evidence that you and I are framing our way in the Spirit are:
1. Accountability
2. Fulfilling the law of Christ (bearing one another’s burdens)
3. Self-examination
4. Sowing and reaping (good works of faith, without growing weary every opportunity we get, doing good to everyone especially to those in our own household of faith)
5. Bearing the marks of Jesus (self denial, carrying cross, following Jesus)
I encourage you to look at each principle and examine yourself in light of them. Ask yourself, “What areas do I need to improve?” And start working on it.
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