Wednesday, March 5: Galatians 6- New creation living.

Paul concludes his letter with an interesting statement. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation (15). When, by faith, we accept the Gospel message and are adopted into God’s family, we become a new creation. A newness of life flows into us by the Spirit and we begin to live differently. We live with love for God and others.

Another aspect of the Gospel message is this new life we begin to live.

Earlier in chapter 6, growing out of the reference to love and the Fruit of the Spirit in the end of chapter 5, Paul gives a practical picture of new creation living.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (1-10).

Some bullet highlights

·         Restore those who have fallen

·         Carry one another’s burdens

·         Test our own actions and don’t compare yourself with someone else.

·         Carry your own load

·         We reap what we sow

Paul puts on a capstone with this final word. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

New creation living in a sentence; as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

There is a principle I can work on…

Lord, a straightforward word, but one I need help living up to. Oh, Holy Spirit, give me the impulses to live up to this word. When I slip back into my self-centeredness, convict me that I might grow in my love for You and service for others. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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