Sunday, February 26, 2017 Lesson: Galatians 5:18-6:10; Time of Action: 48 A.D.; Place of Action: Paul writes from to the church in Galatia from Syrian Antioch Golden Text: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). I. INTRODUCTION. Just what does it mean to live holy lives in the Spirit? Holiness is often equated with purity, but it also can be defined as set apart. God wants us to be holy, literally set apart unto Him. In other words, our words, our actions and our attitudes should not be the same as those who have not been redeemed. This is because we have been called to holy living or living set apart unto the Lord. Some Christians falsely assume that they can please God and the flesh at the same time. In this week s lesson, the Apostle Paul reminded his Galatian readers that the flesh-generated life and the Spirit empowered life are incompatible. He pointed out that there is a major difference between living in the flesh and living in the Holy Spirit.
II. LESSON BACKGROUND. This week s lesson is a continuation of last week s lesson Freedom in Christ. After defending his apostleship (see Galatians chapters 1-2) and the doctrine of justification by faith (see Galatians chapters 3-4), Paul set out to defend Christian freedom in daily living (see Galatians chapters 5-6). His argument was that life regulated by the inner control of the Holy Spirit produces the godly behavior the law could never produce. Paul affirmed that believers still struggle with sin and don t always do what we should even though we desire to honor Christ. The flesh and the Spirit are at war with one another with our minds and bodies the battleground. That these (the flesh and Holy Spirit) are contrary the one to the other (see Galatians 5:17) is a truth that all of us know too well. This is where our lesson begins. III. THE CHRISTIAN S CHARACTER (Galatians 5:18-24) A. Christians are led by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:18). Our first verse says But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. After declaring that there is a constant spiritual conflict between our flesh and the
indwelling Holy Spirit raging in every believer, Paul tells his Galatian readers that they can have spiritual victory at any given moment if ye be led of the Spirit. In other words, we must surrender to the will of the Holy Spirit daily in order to bring the flesh under His control. The word led is in the present tense and suggests a continuous leading. Paul was not thinking about a one-time spiritual experience; instead he was speaking of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives known as sanctification or holiness. Note: Both words holy, used in the Old Testament and sanctification in the New Testament describes God s people as being separated from the world and set apart for His service. As far as the Christian is concerned, our sanctification is God s transformation of us into persons whose actions in daily life are expressions of the Lord. For us to be led of the Spirit, we must follow the Scriptures, which are inspired by the Holy Spirit (see I Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:19-21). The Holy Spirit will never lead us to do anything contrary to what He has already inspired to be written in the Bible. However, when the Scriptures fail to give us specific instructions, we should seek the Spirit s will through prayer. Consulting spiritually minded people can also help us discern God s will. Since our emotions can be very deceptive, we should be careful not to simply do what we feel is right. Many people have wound up in serious trouble by claiming that something was of the Holy Spirit when it was really of the flesh. Since Jesus Christ has set us free from the bondage of the law (see Galatians 3:25; 5:1), Paul declared ye are not under the law. The fact that Paul mentioned the law is noteworthy. The law could identify sin, but it could never deliver anyone from the
power of sin or its consequences. The Spirit of God, not the Mosaic Law should control the saint of God. The law cannot give life or power. It only demands obedience and condemns for disobedience. The Holy Spirit provides what the law cannot (see Romans 8:1-4). B. Christians are not marked by fleshly works (Galatians 5:19-21). 1. (vs. 19). In this verse the apostle said Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness. Paul now proceeded to list some of the things that the flesh will produce when not restrained by the Holy Spirit. The flesh, though hidden within the individual, produces works that are manifest meaning that these works are evident to everyone and recognizable as sins. This does not mean that every unsaved person will produce all of these evil works, but he or she will manifest or demonstrate some of them. Even believers will struggle with the flesh. If we give in to the flesh and disregard the leading of God s Spirit, we will also produce the works of the flesh. Note: This list that Paul gave is not exhaustive meaning that it does not include every evil work of the flesh, but they represent all works of the flesh. Other sins could be added, but what is listed illustrates what the flesh produces without God. In fact the list sounds like our world today. The sins of the flesh listed in this verse are sexual in nature.
a. Adultery is an illicit relationship involving one or more married persons. God s original intention for marriage was one man and one woman for life (see Genesis 2:24). b. Fornication was a word that was originally used of prostitution, but came to take on a wider meaning of any kind of sexual immorality. Both homosexuality and premarital sexual relations are included in the word fornication. But remember, no sin is any greater than any other. c. Uncleanness means moral impurity. Impure thoughts would be included here. As used in the Greek version of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, it refers to anyone who is unfit to come into God s presence. d. Lasciviousness refers to anything that tended to excite evil desires. This would include suggestive clothing and language. It refers to a generally depraved life. 2. (vs. 20). In this verse, Paul continues his list of sins of the flesh adding Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. The first two sins listed here relate to false religion. a. Idolatry is the worship of false gods and was the besetting sin of Israel. Paul s world was filled with idols. Unfortunately, today this is still true in many parts of our world.
b. Witchcraft or sorcery involved magic charms, trafficking with demons, and the use of drugs to cause trances. The word witchcraft translates the Greek word pharmakeia which is where we get the word pharmacy. Ancient witchcraft relied heavily on magic potions and drugs. All occult practices were forbidden for the ancient Israelites (see Deuteronomy 18:9-13) and are also forbidden to Christians as well. The remaining sins of the flesh Paul listed are social in nature. c. Hatred has to do with animosity toward other people. It s the opposite of Christian love. d. Variance means contention or strife and implies a fondness for quarreling. It s the word eris in Greek and was the name of the mythical Greek goddess of strife. e. Emulations translates the Greek word zelos from which we get the English words zealous and jealous. It could be translated selfish zeal. tantrums. f. Wrath refers to fits of anger, or temper g. Seditions, which means dissensions, covers all kinds of divisions. It literally means splits in two, or to stand apart. h. Heresies refers to all divisions or groups
that develop as a result of dissension. It comes from a verb meaning I choose and has to do with choosing up sides so as to form a distinct group. 3. (vs. 21). Continuing in this verse with his list of sins of the flesh, the apostle added Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. The final group of sins listed are forms of excess: a. Murders is the taking of human lives. From the beginning, some have taken the lives of others, even close family members (see Genesis 4:1-6). b. Drunkenness is excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages, resulting in impaired physical and mental capacities. So-called social drinking should also be avoided because that s how most alcoholics begin. Teetotalers don t harm anyone, but heavy drinkers can wreak havoc on a community. c. Revelings are carousing related to excessive drinking. This word was used to describe the drunken orgies that accompanied the worship of false gods. Today there are many wild parties where many dangerous drugs are taken by partiers. This was the last sin that Paul listed. However, the fact that he was giving a representative list of all the works of the flesh is seen in the phrase and such like. All of the sins Paul listed, and many more,
characterize those who are not saved. Though not mentioned here, there were many other sins similar to these that Paul listed. The apostle ended his discussion of the works of the flesh with a solemn warning saying of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. In other words, he was saying let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Note: This does not mean that people who practice these things is lost. It simply means that anyone whose life is characterized by sins such as these demonstrates that he or she is not a follower of Christ. Christians can sin and sin very grievously, but their lives cannot be continually characterized by works of the flesh. No true Christian who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit can habitually live in these sins (see Galatians 5:16-17). However, the fact that God despises all the things Paul listed as well as all works of the flesh, should be an incentive for us to avoid even temporary lapses into sin. C. Christians are identified by spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-24). 1. (vs. 22). In this verse, Paul presented a stark contrast between living in the flesh and living in the Spirit. He said But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. The word But indicates that Paul was about to present a contrast
between what is produced by living in the flesh and what is produced by living in the Spirit. Whereas the flesh produces works (see Galatians 5:19-21), the Holy Spirit produces fruit. There are two things we notice about the contrast between works and fruit. First, since the word fruit often refers to something wholesome and worthwhile, the fruit here is not works but virtues that produce good works or deeds. Second, whereas works is plural (see Galatians 5:19), fruit is singular. This suggests that the one fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in each believer consists of nine characteristics as we shall see in the remaining part of this verse and verse 22. The fruit of the Spirit is unified in purpose because God produces all of its virtues or characteristics. Paul now begins to list the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit. a. Love is the first virtue of the fruit of the Spirit that Paul listed. It is the greatest of all the spiritual gifts (see I Corinthians 13:1-9, 13). Love is the chief identifying mark of Christians (see John 13:35). It s also the foundation of all the fruit of the Spirit. The Greek word for love is agape and means a self-sacrificing love as Jesus Christ demonstrated (see John 3:16). This is the kind of love that extends even to unworthy sinners and displays itself in outward relationships. And it does not change with our circumstances! b. Joy is the second virtue of the fruit of the Spirit and it comes from within and should not be confused with happiness which usually depends on what happens. We can experience joy even when we are
suffering. Not even persecution could drive joy from the early Christians (see Acts 8:8; 13:52; 15:3). c. Peace is the result of the believer s reconciliation with God (see Romans 5:1). It is an inner calm caused by peace with God. It s not just the absence of strife as when a war ends. This inner peace comes from God s Spirit (see Philippians 4:7). Like joy, this inner peace that comes from God does not change with our circumstances. d. Longsuffering or patience is a quality that most of us wished we had more of. It refers to forbearance toward others even when provoked repeatedly, but especially when faced with opposition. Both circumstances and people will test our patience. e. Gentleness is kindness and describes someone who has a tender concern for the interests and feelings of others. f. Goodness is a disposition to do good to others (see Galatians 6:10). g. Faith here refers to faithfulness. It means to be trustworthy both as a believer and in all our relationships. 2. (vs. 23). Paul continued describing the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit adding Meekness,
temperance: against such there is no law. The term meekness refers to humility and humbleness. Contrary to popular opinion, meekness is not weakness. Both Moses and Jesus are described as meek, but neither of them was weak. This word was used when speaking of wild horses that had been taught to obey. It is strength under control. The last characteristic Paul listed was temperance which is more than abstaining from the use of alcohol. The word means self-control and can be applied to all areas of our lives. Paul ends his list saying against such there is no law. Of course the word such refers to all of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit he just listed. The phrase against such there is no law means that there is no law that forbids people from displaying the fruit of the Spirit because God s desire is to encourage these virtues. Those who belong to Christ will display these qualities in their lives. While works of the flesh are condemned by God s law, no law, divine or human can find fault with the virtues the Spirit produces. Just as the law didn t generate these characteristics, so the law cannot condemn those who practice them. 3. (vs. 24). In this verse the apostle said And they that are Christ s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. This looks back to a specific event in the past, namely, the crucifixion of Christ. When He died, God saw all believers identified with Him. By this identification, we no longer are subject or under the control of the flesh (see Romans 6:6-8). Only they that are Christ s or Christians have the provision of victory over the flesh and its sinful desires because we have crucified the
flesh with the affections and lusts. Since the flesh has been crucified with Christ, it no longer holds any power over us. The believer can still fall into sin on occasion, but sin no longer has power over us because our lives as believers are characterized by godly fruit. However, it is our responsibility to claim victory over the flesh and its sinful desires by faith, and make spiritual progress through the Spirit s strength (see Romans 6:11-14; Galatians 2:20; 5:16). IV. THE CHRISTIAN S CONDUCT (Galatians 5:25-6:10) A. Christians are selfless in service (Galatians 5:25-26). 1. (vs. 25). In this verse Paul reminded the Galatians again (see Galatians 5:16) saying If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. With the words If we live in the Spirit Paul was saying that as believers, if we claim to live by the Holy Spirit who indwells each believer, then we should also walk in the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit means to live daily allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us to demonstrate personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage. All believers have the divine life of the Holy Spirit given to us in regeneration (see Titus 3:5). As a result of this, every believer should follow the Spirit as our guide. It s essential that we stay with Him step by step.
2. (vs. 26). The Apostle continued to say in this verse Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. If we are walking in the Spirit, we will not be desirous of vain glory. This means that we won t become conceited or seek glory for ourselves. This prevents us from claiming that we are more important than we really are. Paul indicated that seeking glory for ourselves or being conceited causes two related problems: provoking one another, and envying one another. The phrase provoking one another pictures one person challenging another to a fight for no reason. The phrase provoking one another refers to being jealous of another s talent or achievement, or who may be more honored than we are. These are clearly works of the flesh that should have no place in the Christian experience. As the fruit of the Spirit ripens in our lives, it will remove the remnants of the lives we led before we were converted. B. Christians have compassion for the needy (Galatians 6:1-3). 1. (vs. 1). In this verse Paul said Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. An opportunity for a believer to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit arises if a man be overtaken in a fault. The word overtaken refers either to someone who committed a sin but didn t intend to, or someone who was surprised that his
sin was found out. It does not refer to a habitual sinner. Whatever the case, Paul was referring to a Christian brother or sister who had fallen into an act of sin. A great responsibility then falls on ye which are spiritual. This refers to those who are living a Spirit-led life and also tells us that there are various levels of spiritual maturity (see I Corinthians 3:1-3; I Peter 2:2). They are to restore such an one. The word restore translates a medical term meaning to mend or put a dislocated part back in joint. The word restore gives a beautiful picture of the body of Christ repairing itself. Note: What Paul is describing here are more mature or spiritual believers restoring a sinning brother or sister to fellowship in the church. This is proof that Christians do fall into sin sometimes. The process of restoration must first involve bringing the sinner to acknowledge his or her fault and repent of it. When this is done, the sinner can be reassured of God s love and received back by God s people. We must take note that Paul s words involve the actions believers must take toward another believer who has fallen into sin and not a habitual, unsaved sinner. Those who restore their brother or sister must do so in the spirit of meekness. Here is a direct application of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:23). Meekness or humility, not arrogant superiority is needed when dealing with a wayward brother or sister in Christ. Paul said that we are to restore a sinning brother or sister in the spirit of meekness considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. In other words, we need to be aware that none of us are immune to temptation and sin. The one who restores needs to take heed that they too can fall into sin.
2. (vs. 2). In this verse Paul said Bear ye one another s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. The command to Bear ye one another s burdens assumes that everyone has burdens with which he or she needs help. The term burdens here means heavy weights (see Hebrews 12:1) and can include the weight of temptation. Burdens also includes weights upon the soul discouragement, anxiety, depression, and pain. Paul commands that believers enter sympathetically into these burdens with the sufferers and do whatever we can to help them. This may require prayer, admonition, instruction, reassurance, or physical help. As we bear others burdens, we fulfil the law of Christ which is the law of love to love one another and also the new commandment Jesus gave to His followers (see John 13:34-35; Galatians 5:13-14; James 2:8). 3. (vs. 3). Paul continued to say in this verse For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. Here, Paul warned his readers against pride when he said, for if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing. This pride or conceit can prevent Christians from acting in a compassionate way to help bear the burdens of fellow believers. We must be on guard against the attitude that we are better than others. The most confident people are the most likely to fall (see Proverbs 16:18). Pride is very deceptive. The person who thinks so highly of themselves that they refuse to help the lowly person trapped in sin, Paul said that he deceiveth himself because they are no better than the sinning brother or sister. In reality, all of us are
nothing before God (see Isaiah 40:17; Daniel 4:35). We contributed nothing to our salvation (see John 3:27). If we have any measure of spirituality, it has been given and maintained by God. So then, why should we deceive ourselves into thinking that we are too good to bear others weights? C. Christians are reflective and responsible (Galatians 6:4-5). 1. (vs. 4). The apostle goes on to say in this verse But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. This is Paul s warning to believers to avoid arrogance and to stop comparing ourselves with others. The word prove means to put one s work to the test. The phrase let every man prove his own work means that everyone must stand back and test or evaluate our deeds objectively, using God s Word as the yardstick, not the deeds of others. Simply put, each person must be sure that he is doing his very best, carefully examining his own actions, attitudes, and behavior to be sure that they line up with God s Word. If a person does this, then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. The person who measures his or her works by God s standards will find his works or actions to be acceptable and can rejoice in his or her achievements without referencing someone else s actions. On the other hand, the person who glories in how much better he is than someone else is boasting about another person s less than
perfect actions. Therefore, his own actions bring him or her no satisfaction. We should examine ourselves to see if we are accomplishing what God wants us to do, because that s the only legitimate reason for rejoicing. Note: If we don t examine our actions during this life, we will be profoundly embarrassed at the judgment seat of Christ (see II Corinthians 5:10). There won t be anyone whose deeds or actions we can hide behind or blame for our actions. Therefore, we would be wise to develop the habit of examining ourselves in front of the mirror of God s Word. 2. (vs. 5). In this verse Paul said For every man shall bear his own burden. The word For could be translated because indicating that Paul was about to give a reason for his previous statement. The reason we cannot rely on comparing what we do with others is because every man shall bear his own burden. The word burden used here is a different Greek word from burdens in verse 2. The word burdens used in verse 2 speaks of a crushing weight too great for anyone to bear alone; they need help. The word burden in this verse refers to a load, or backpack that an individual can carry alone. Jesus used this word to speak of His burden, which is light (see Matthew 11:30). It emphasizes a person s own responsibility or normal duty. The point is that ultimately, each person is responsible for his or her own individual actions before God; some burdens must be carried alone.
D. Christians are supportive of their leaders (Galatians 6:6-9). 1. (vs. 6). In this verse Paul says Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. One way that we can fulfill our own responsibility and at the same time help carry another s burden (see Galatians 6:2) is to give support to our spiritual leaders. Paul put this exhortation on an individual level saying Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. The word, communicate means to share with or to have fellowship with. In this verse, it refers to giving financial support to him that teacheth in all good things meaning those who faithfully teach us spiritually good things. In the early church, Christians voluntarily gave financial gifts to support their spiritual leaders. Today s church must follow their example. Note: Those in the church who devote themselves to teaching the saints are worthy of support (see I Corinthians 9:6-11, 14; Philippians 4:15-18; I Timothy 5:17-18). Paul s rationale was very simple: the teacher shares good spiritual things from God s Word, so the hearer should share good material things with him or her. 2. (vs. 7). Paul goes on to say in this verse Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. The phrase Be not deceived; God is not mocked may be referring to Paul s previous exhortation regarding sharing with those who teach us spiritual things. The Galatians had no problem honoring
the false teachers who were deceiving them while they mistreated the faithful teachers of God s Word. The term mocked means to turn up the nose or to hold in contempt. Paul s words Be not deceived; God is not mocked were undoubtedly spoken to warn those who didn t want to do their duty of supporting their godly ministers that they were mocking God or treating Him with contempt. God will not tolerate such mockery. Paul went on to warn his readers what would happen if they mocked God: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. This is one of God s universal principles and it certainly applies to supporting spiritual leaders (see I Corinthians 9:10-11; II Corinthians 9:6). If the Galatian Christians didn t sow or give generously to support honest, faithful teachers, they could expect to reap emptiness and even hardship in their lives. Paul exhorted his readers Be not deceived. When people think and act as if they will not reap what they have sown, or as if they will reap something different from what they have sown, they are deceiving themselves and mocking God. But since this unchanging principle of reaping what is sown has always been proven to be true, the warning that God is not mocked is also true because no one can mock God and get away with it. Note: There is a common tendency among some people to think that there is an exception to every rule even this universal principle. They say This principle may be true for everyone else, but it s not true for me. I won t have to reap a harvest from the seeds I sow because I can sow whatever seed I want and still expect a good harvest. This way of thinking only proves the words of the prophet Jeremiah, The heart is deceitful above all things and
beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9). God s principle of reaping and sowing is true for everyone! For some reason, our capacity for self-deception is frightening. It s amazing how blind brilliant people can be to their own spiritual direction in life. In fact, the more brilliant people are, the more skilled they are at developing rationalizations to deceive themselves and to hide from God. Paul s warning needs to be heard, and to be heard often, to warn us against our most brilliant self-deceptions. 3. (vs. 8). In this verse the apostle said For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Here Paul returned to the contrast between the flesh and the Spirit (see Galatians 5:16-25) using the principle of sowing and reaping. Paul pictures the flesh or our sinful nature and the Spirit as two fields in which one can sow the thoughts, decisions, and actions of life. The apostle declared For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption. The flesh by its very nature is corrupt; therefore, the harvest or what one reaps must be corruption or moral decay. This corruption begins to show itself in this life in the works of the flesh (see Galatians 5:19-21). If a person soweth to his flesh by producing the works or actions of the flesh, then corruption or moral decay will be the resulting harvest. By contrast, he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Spiritual seed is first sown or planted when we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is nurtured as we walk in the Spirit s strength, and it
produces His fruit (see Galatians 5:22-23). A Christian should be consistently sowing to the Spirit, meaning that he or she should be directing their lives toward the things of God. That type of person proves by the life they live that they are followers of Christ and will reap life everlasting. Note: We should again be reminded that a believer can sin, but he or she cannot continue in a sinful lifestyle if they are truly born again. It is very important that the Christian make daily choices to sow to the Spirit so that his or her life reflects who he truly is in Christ. 4. (vs. 9). Paul continues to say in this verse And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Sometimes the reward for godly living is not immediately realized and believers are tempted to get tired of doing good. Therefore, it was necessary for Paul to encourage his readers saying let us not be weary in well doing. This refers basically to our relationships and how we treat people (see Galatians 6:2). The word weary means to grow tired and the phrase well doing means to do good deeds or to treat people right. Yes, sometimes Christians become weary in well doing. Note: One of the greatest obstacles to building and rebuilding broken relationships is simply fatigue. We can easily lose heart and get tired when we come up against the same problems over and over again as we deal with others. Discouragement is one of the greatest tools of the devil and he wants us to think that we are not making a difference. Even Paul sounds discouraged when he talks about his efforts to rebuild
his relationship with the Galatian believers: I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you (see Galatians 4:11, NIV). Paul recognized that fatigue and discouragement might cause Christians to throw in the servant s towel and quit. So he presents an incentive to keep us from giving up when we grow weary of serving others in love. He assures us that there is a reward for doing good. He declared in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Sometimes the reaping of the harvest is experienced in this life. When we sow acts of love, we will reap a harvest of love in return. When we give generously and sacrificially to the needs of others, we will reap a harvest of gratitude as those needs are met. When we sow the seed of God s Word into needy lives, we will experience the joy of their response. However, we must remember that reaping a harvest almost never happens on the same day that we sow the seed. We may not even see a harvest in this life from what we have sown. Nevertheless, we must never give up, because we know that in due season meaning at the proper time in God s plan we will reap a harvest. The truth is, whether we receive the harvest from our sowing in this life or not, we can rest assured that we will reap great rewards for our service to God and others when our Master returns and rewards those who have been faithful servants (see I Corinthians 3:13-15; II Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). E. Christians do good to everyone (Galatians 6:10). In our final verse the Apostle Paul said As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith. The word therefore refers back to the previous verse and the harvests we will reap if we don t give up doing good deeds for others. Because of the world we live in, we will always have an opportunity or an occasion to do good unto all men. Since God has made it our duty to do good to others, He also furnishes us with opportunities for it (see Matthew 26:11). Whenever God gives us an opportunity to be useful to others, He expects us to be useful according to our capacity and ability. The opportunity is now, while we are alive which is the only season that we are capable of doing good to others. It s always the season for sowing good deeds, and those who expect to enjoy the harvest season must not neglect these opportunities. We must sow good deeds over the whole field of our earthly existence. It s not for us to decide who is worthy and who is unworthy of our good deeds. We should follow God s example who sends the sun and rain on the evil and the good, the just and the unjust (see Matthew 5:43-45). As Christians, we have an obligation to do good unto all men but as Paul declared, our good deeds are to be done especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Although we are called upon to do good unto all men, regardless of their standing in life, our priority is to do good or serve them who are of the household of faith which is the family of believers. Here Paul picks up on a central theme of his letter. All believers are children of Abraham by faith in Christ, the seed of Abraham (see Galatians 3:6-29). All believers enjoy the full rights of the children of God (see Galatians 4:4-7). These great truths about the family of believers should motivate us to keep on doing good to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Since we belong to Christ we belong to one another in one family. Note: We must use godly wisdom and discretion to direct us in exercising our charity or benevolence toward others, and particularly in choosing who we should be kind to. This is because no one who stands in need of us should be completely overlooked. However, if we use wisdom we will know when to put caring for fellow believers above caring for others including our family members. For sure, this lesson teaches that our loving concern is to be expressed for all people, but our special concern or priority should be to our fellow Christians. V. Conclusion. In this week s study, we have learned or been reminded that as we yield our own wills to the Lord through His Holy Spirit, we will be living a holy and blessed life free from the power of sin and the negative works of the flesh. This is a life lived for others, not self, just as Christ lived. There is no higher calling. The humblest Christian can walk in the Spirit just as effectively as the most powerful saint. The only required qualification is trusting Jesus Christ and obeying His Holy Spirit. No one or anything can stop any one of us from living and walking in the Spirit. It s our personal choice. If we are being led by the Holy Spirit, He will produce Christ-like character in us (see Galatians 5:22-23). This character will be evident in selfless service to others, and we will reap God s blessing both in this life and in
the life to come. ***The Bible Expositor and Illuminator, Union Gospel Press***