Friends,
Well...better late than never...and it was almost "never." (Not really...but, if one procrastinates or is distracted long enough, it might seem like it :-). However, on to the concluding message from Paul's letter to the Galatians. Paul has spoken about the connection of living spiritually versus living according to the flesh in chapter 5. Paul continues with this theme in chapter 6...and instead of sounding combative, he has a much more conciliatory tone, as at the end of chapter 5. Apparently some have asked the question, "How do we deal those Judaizers (or Gentile Christians, for that matter) who repent of the attitudes and activities of the flesh?" Paul may be thinking about Jesus' message in the Sermon on the Mount, regarding approaching all matters of discerning judgment with humility and love. He offers an interesting expression, "you who are spiritual should restore him gently." But, for those of the Spirit, this must be done with humility...and I believe that he is speaking with regard to the contrast between pride and humility. If those who are "spiritual" are not careful, they will be tempted to be unspiritual, that is prideful, concerning how they go about their business. Once again, Paul appeals to love...as in "the law of Christ," and this, as it is in this letter, runs opposed to the Law of Moses. We must not be prideful or arrogant as it relates to helping others who are in need, or else, we may do more harm than good.
We must not overvalue ourselves, neither should we undervalue ourselves, in relationship to principle of living the Christian walk and serving others. We cannot fool the Lord who is able to evaluate matters accurately with regard to our spiritual walk (vv.7-8). Living according to the flesh will keep us distracted and hinder us from being the servants that God not only wants, but requires for us to be. God has gifted each of His children in a unique way to serve Him...and all believers need to fulfill their service to Him...and especially to those who belong to the body of Christ. I believe this is the principle behind Paul's unusual statement in v.6. regarding instructing and instruction -- if we have been blessed, we need to be a blessing. If we can maintain our spiritual walk as we should...taking time to rest, recuperate as we need...we will not only be a blessing, but we will receive blessings.
In the final eight verses of this letter, Paul apparently takes control of the steering wheel, so to speak. He writes with his own hand, rather than have his amanuensis (secretary) compose for him, as has been the case throughout the letter. Paul claims no professional ability as it relates to his writing, and indeed, seems to be poking fun at himself (v.11). Basically, this section is a recapitulation of everything he has shared up to this point. He does not want the free believers in the Galatian churches...primarliy Gentiles...to be influenced by those who would claim that circumcision (as well as the rest of the principles of the Law) is essential in order to be acceptable to God. The key, once again, is not concerning matters that bind us humans...the Law, the flesh...but it is concerning the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, where all of these other matters find their place and are laid to rest. The Law was not sufficient, but being a "new creation" in Jesus is. The Galatian believers must come back to investigating and appropriating the spiritual matters that they once believed...and not allow themselves to be held captive by doctrines and other matters that are going to take them away from spirituality, and ultimately, eternity. And finally, if anyone would be of a mind to question Paul's credibility (as did some "believers" in Corinth) in writing these matters, he reminds them that he bears scars...physical and emotional...on Jesus' behalf. These marks for Jesus are of a far greater benefit in proving Paul's conviction for truth, perhaps, than anything he could say. Nonetheless, the two walk hand in hand. Paul concludes by appealing to the grace of Jesus Christ for their spirits, a wonderful expression of peace and hope.
Once again, nothing is gained for us today in making the same mistakes as a significant portion of the early believers. Although, I believe that we could concur with the wise sage, Solomon, who shared that "there is nothing new under the sun" in this regard. We must learn and understand that Laws and regulations are not going to produce spirituality in us, but indeed, they take away from it. They hinder our ability to walk as free persons in Christ in much the same way as the flesh also hinders the spiritual walk (and Paul has connected the two). This does not mean that we must not be people of principle...we should be so. But, we must appeal to the same law that Paul appeals to in this letter...the law of love...the law that Jesus Himself commended during His last few days on earth (John 13:34-35, 15:12, etc.). Then, in turn, all other principles gain their proper perspective and place in relationship to the whole of the Christian walk. And as Paul says, early on in the letter, it is this perspective that will make the difference...then and now...as to whether churches grow and prosper or decay and decline.
I hope this series has been a blessing to you...have a great day.
Blessings, Don
Showing posts with label immorality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label immorality. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Walking with the Spirit (Considering Galatians), Pt. 6
Friends,
On to part six, which is really the latter part of chapter 5...not to be too confusing. :-) When people think of the letter to the Galatians, I am certain that...nine times out of ten...this is the section that comes to mind -- the fruit of the flesh vs. the fruit of the Spirit (5:16-26). Paul continues with this second theme that is prominent in relationship to the Galatian believers, that is, the struggle some of them were having with the flesh. He has already addressed their struggle concerning keeping regulations, but the struggle against the flesh appears to be just as important an issue...it is one that he needs to address (just as it is for believers today).
Paul is plainly speaking about the fact that believers can live in only one of two worlds...the world of the Spirit or the world of the flesh. Paul is, in a sense, sharing what John shares in the first portion of his first letter, but with more detail -- "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:5-9, NIV) There is no fence-riding on this...we will be in one camp or the other. Christians may be able to fool themselves and others, but not the Lord. As Paul shares with the Roman believers (6:1), people can't live in sin and expect that the Lord is going to shower them with grace...there will be a recompense, but it will be His justice. Paul says that believers who seek to live according to the Spirit are not going to chase after the offerings of the flesh, but the converse is also true -- believers who chase after the flesh are not going to be able to comprehend, appreciate and appropriate the things of the Spirit. Paul insists that we "walk according to the Spirit." This means that we should focus on the matters of the Spirit, as these are truly what should "matter" to us. Concerning the fruit of the Spirit (and notice it says "fruit" and not "fruits"), all of these elements are part of one "fruit" being born out in the lives of God's people (sort of like a spiritual blended fruit smoothie, I guess :-). When we are living according to God's Spirit, then the unity of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control is going to be working itself out in our lives.
If there is a message where there is nothing new under the sun, it is this one. The greatest human spiritual problem, hands down, according to the word of God is "immorality" -- it has been this way virtually since the creation of man and woman. As I have shared, our greatest struggle is not against what we may have perceived at one time was "doctrinal impurity"...but much more so, "personal, moral and spiritual impurity." As much as I liked to believe that Paul's major focus was the former issue at one time, as I have read and reread his letters, I have come to understand that he is more so concerned with the latter, as evidenced in this letter. I will say this -- if we do not continue to fight the fight against the sensual and sexual demons of this world, the church is going to suffer for it...and in some places, it already is. Once again, as I shared in my last message, we who are in Christ must not give in to the evil one and his schemes, but fight the good fight of faith. There are a lot of spiritual resources in order to help Christians overcome the filth of the flesh and its nature. I do believe that the greatest threat in this time is not going to come from any external force, but it truly is internal...the struggle against the flesh and the battle for the souls of men and women. It was a struggle with Christians then...and it is also a struggle today. But, it is a struggle that we have all of the spiritual riches in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Spirit, to overcome...and to prosper (1 John 4:4).
Blessings, Don
On to part six, which is really the latter part of chapter 5...not to be too confusing. :-) When people think of the letter to the Galatians, I am certain that...nine times out of ten...this is the section that comes to mind -- the fruit of the flesh vs. the fruit of the Spirit (5:16-26). Paul continues with this second theme that is prominent in relationship to the Galatian believers, that is, the struggle some of them were having with the flesh. He has already addressed their struggle concerning keeping regulations, but the struggle against the flesh appears to be just as important an issue...it is one that he needs to address (just as it is for believers today).
Paul is plainly speaking about the fact that believers can live in only one of two worlds...the world of the Spirit or the world of the flesh. Paul is, in a sense, sharing what John shares in the first portion of his first letter, but with more detail -- "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:5-9, NIV) There is no fence-riding on this...we will be in one camp or the other. Christians may be able to fool themselves and others, but not the Lord. As Paul shares with the Roman believers (6:1), people can't live in sin and expect that the Lord is going to shower them with grace...there will be a recompense, but it will be His justice. Paul says that believers who seek to live according to the Spirit are not going to chase after the offerings of the flesh, but the converse is also true -- believers who chase after the flesh are not going to be able to comprehend, appreciate and appropriate the things of the Spirit. Paul insists that we "walk according to the Spirit." This means that we should focus on the matters of the Spirit, as these are truly what should "matter" to us. Concerning the fruit of the Spirit (and notice it says "fruit" and not "fruits"), all of these elements are part of one "fruit" being born out in the lives of God's people (sort of like a spiritual blended fruit smoothie, I guess :-). When we are living according to God's Spirit, then the unity of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control is going to be working itself out in our lives.
If there is a message where there is nothing new under the sun, it is this one. The greatest human spiritual problem, hands down, according to the word of God is "immorality" -- it has been this way virtually since the creation of man and woman. As I have shared, our greatest struggle is not against what we may have perceived at one time was "doctrinal impurity"...but much more so, "personal, moral and spiritual impurity." As much as I liked to believe that Paul's major focus was the former issue at one time, as I have read and reread his letters, I have come to understand that he is more so concerned with the latter, as evidenced in this letter. I will say this -- if we do not continue to fight the fight against the sensual and sexual demons of this world, the church is going to suffer for it...and in some places, it already is. Once again, as I shared in my last message, we who are in Christ must not give in to the evil one and his schemes, but fight the good fight of faith. There are a lot of spiritual resources in order to help Christians overcome the filth of the flesh and its nature. I do believe that the greatest threat in this time is not going to come from any external force, but it truly is internal...the struggle against the flesh and the battle for the souls of men and women. It was a struggle with Christians then...and it is also a struggle today. But, it is a struggle that we have all of the spiritual riches in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Spirit, to overcome...and to prosper (1 John 4:4).
Blessings, Don
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